Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Eastern Michigan University

The small sample size here is critical—with fewer than 30 graduates, these numbers could shift dramatically with just a few data points. That said, the $48,592 debt load stands out as alarmingly high for a teaching credential, nearly double and a half the national median of $20,089 and placing this in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs graduate students with less debt). While earnings hit 60th percentile among Michigan's three programs offering this certificate, that's misleading context—you're essentially at the state median of $43,504, which itself falls well below the national figure of $46,898.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.12 means graduates carry debt exceeding their entire first-year salary, an uncomfortable position for entering teachers. To put this practically: someone earning $43,504 and trying to manage nearly $49,000 in loans will face monthly payments around $540 on a standard 10-year plan—roughly 15% of pre-tax income. Given that Michigan teaching salaries typically grow over time, this burden should ease, but the initial years will be financially tight.

If your child already has a bachelor's degree and specifically needs this certification to teach in Michigan, proceed cautiously and exhaust all grant and scholarship opportunities first. If they're exploring multiple pathways into teaching, investigate programs with lower debt loads—the national landscape suggests far more affordable options exist.