Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Delta State University

Delta State's teacher education program produces the second-highest starting salaries among Mississippi's 14 programs, with graduates earning $39,008—placing it in the 60th percentile statewide. That's roughly $1,100 more than the state median, though still about $2,800 below the national average for these programs. For a student planning to teach in Mississippi, where the cost of living ranks among the nation's lowest, this relative advantage matters.

The concerning element here is debt. At $19,500, graduates carry less than the national median, but this program still ranks in the 90th percentile nationally for debt levels—meaning 90% of similar programs burden students with less. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 is manageable by education standards, but the high percentile suggests many peer institutions do better at controlling costs. Given Delta State's 100% admission rate and high Pell grant percentage (43%), this likely reflects the financial reality for students who need to borrow to attend any four-year program.

For families weighing in-state options, Delta State delivers above-average Mississippi outcomes at below-average Mississippi debt levels. If your child is committed to teaching in Mississippi and Delta State offers the best financial aid package among state schools, the numbers work. Just understand they'll be entering one of the lower-paying teaching markets in the country—though their debt load won't be crushing.