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

In Missouri, teacher education programs typically launch graduates at around $35,500 their first year—roughly $7,500 below what these programs produce nationally. Fontbonne's estimated outcomes fall right at this state median, placing it in line with Missouri's broader pattern but well behind what teacher candidates earn in other states. Even Missouri's top performers like Mizzou ($39,755) struggle to match national benchmarks for this credential.

The estimated debt of nearly $30,000 sits above both the Missouri median ($25,992) and what neighboring programs report, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84. That means graduates would need to dedicate roughly 84% of their first year's salary to eliminate debt immediately—or more practically, face monthly payments that consume a significant portion of a teacher's paycheck. With nearly half of Fontbonne students receiving Pell grants, this debt burden affects families who can least afford it.

Teaching remains one of those professions where passion must outweigh pure financial return. If your child is committed to education and specifically wants the Fontbonne community, understand that comparable programs across Missouri produce similar outcomes—none particularly strong by national standards. The question becomes whether the specific program offerings and campus environment justify potential debt that exceeds what peer institutions in the state typically require.