Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Duquesne University

Duquesne's teacher education program costs less than most private alternatives while delivering earnings that beat national averages by $2,800 annually. The $27,000 in typical debt equals exactly the state median but represents just seven months of starting salary—a manageable burden for educators entering a notoriously modest-paying field. Among Pennsylvania's 55 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning graduates earn more than most state peers despite teaching salaries being largely determined by district contracts rather than alma mater.

The concerning element here is the flat earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than they do initially. This isn't unique to Duquesne—it reflects the broader reality of teacher compensation structures with slow step increases—but it does mean the financial picture at graduation is essentially what you'll see for years. At 79% admission and with only 18% of students receiving Pell grants, you're paying private school tuition for public school outcomes.

For families committed to teaching careers, this represents a middle-tier option that won't saddle graduates with crushing debt. But if you're comparing to the top Pennsylvania programs like Elizabethtown ($51k) or Messiah ($51k), recognize you're accepting $5,000 less annually—money that compounds over a 30-year career. The value case depends entirely on whether Duquesne's net price after aid actually undercuts those alternatives.