Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franciscan University's teaching program sits right at Ohio's median for first-year earnings ($35,050 vs. $35,926 statewide), but that's where the good news ends. Graduates earn roughly $6,000 less than the national median, placing this program in the 14th percentile nationally—meaning 86% of similar programs produce better-earning graduates. More troubling is the backwards earnings trajectory: incomes actually decline 6% by year four, dropping to $32,990. This is unusual in a field where teachers typically climb salary schedules as they gain experience and complete additional certifications.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable and typical for Ohio teaching programs, resulting in a reasonable 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, with comparable Ohio programs at Ohio Dominican and Capital University starting their graduates at $42,000+, the opportunity cost becomes significant. Over a teaching career, that $7,000 annual gap compounds substantially. The declining earnings pattern here suggests graduates may be struggling to secure full-time teaching positions or advance professionally compared to peers from other programs.

For parents considering this path, understand that you're paying private university tuition for outcomes that match mid-tier state schools. If your child is committed to teaching in Ohio, explore the higher-performing programs listed above—or consider a state university where lower tuition might offset the similar starting salaries.