Est. Earnings (1yr)
$54,633
Est. from NJ median (9 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,814
Est. from NJ median (4 programs)

Analysis

For aspiring teachers in New Jersey, similar bachelor's programs typically produce starting salaries around $54,600, with estimated debt of roughly $26,800—a manageable ratio that reflects how teacher pay works in this state. New Jersey compensates educators significantly better than most of the country; the national median for teaching programs sits at just $41,800, making the Garden State a notably better place to launch a teaching career. The debt load aligns closely with the national benchmark of $26,000, suggesting Drew's financing structure isn't creating outsized burden compared to other education programs.

The catch is that these figures come from peer programs across New Jersey, not Drew's own graduates in this major. With an admission rate of 69% and average SAT of 1247, Drew serves a selective liberal arts environment that may differ meaningfully from the regional campuses and teaching colleges that dominate teacher preparation in the state. Whether that translates to better classroom placement support, stronger alumni networks in local school districts, or simply a higher sticker price without corresponding advantage remains unclear without program-specific outcomes.

For families considering Drew specifically, request placement rates and hiring outcomes from the education department directly. Teaching credentials matter enormously for job prospects, and knowing where Drew's graduates actually land—suburban districts, urban schools, private institutions—will tell you more than statewide estimates can. The estimated numbers suggest viability, but you need Drew's own track record to make an informed bet.

Where Drew University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Drew UniversityMadison$45,360$54,633*$26,814*
Stockton UniversityGalloway$15,532$59,371*$53,563$39,000*0.66
Rider UniversityLawrenceville$38,900$57,145*$53,753$26,466*0.46
Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange$51,370$56,300*$52,739$27,000*0.48
The College of New JerseyEwing$18,685$56,231*$54,977$26,000*0.46
Centenary UniversityHackettstown$37,732$54,633*$52,094$27,000*0.49
National Median$41,809*$26,000*0.62
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

$59,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Teachers and Instructors, All Other

All teachers and instructors not listed separately.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 Drew University, approximately 27% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.