Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Cornell College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cornell College's education program places graduates right at Iowa's median earnings but in the bottom half compared to other in-state programs. Starting at $42,756, graduates earn slightly above the national average but lag behind most Iowa competitors—Morningside's graduates earn $5,700 more in year one, and even the state's flagship universities consistently produce higher-earning teachers.
The real concern is what happens next: earnings flatline completely over four years, suggesting limited advancement opportunities or that graduates may be leaving the profession. Meanwhile, teachers from Luther College and Iowa State see their earnings climb. The debt picture is better news—at $27,000, it's manageable at 0.63 times first-year earnings, and places Cornell in the 25th percentile nationally for debt burden.
For families considering Iowa education programs, this data suggests looking elsewhere. You'll pay similar amounts in debt at institutions like Iowa State or Luther College while positioning your child for 7-10% higher earnings from day one. Unless Cornell's one-course-at-a-time block schedule offers unique value to your family, other Iowa programs deliver stronger returns for future teachers.
Where Cornell College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Cornell College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Cornell College graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell College | $42,756 | $42,577 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| Morningside University | $48,478 | $43,020 | $27,000 | 0.56 |
| Grand View University | $46,547 | $44,928 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| Luther College | $45,691 | $40,953 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Iowa State University | $45,512 | $44,376 | $25,000 | 0.55 |
| University of Iowa | $45,015 | $45,931 | $27,000 | 0.60 |
| National Median | $41,809 | — | $26,000 | 0.62 |
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morningside University Sioux City | $38,190 | $48,478 | $27,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $46,547 | $27,000 |
| Luther College Decorah | $50,320 | $45,691 | $27,000 |
| Iowa State University Ames | $10,497 | $45,512 | $25,000 |
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $45,015 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cornell College, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 33 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.