Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Freed-Hardeman University

Freed-Hardeman's teacher education program sits right at Tennessee's median for both earnings ($40,936) and debt ($23,125), but trails stronger in-state options by $2,000-$7,000 annually. Graduates earn slightly below the national average for education programs, landing at the 44th percentile nationwide, though they perform better relative to Tennessee peers specifically (60th percentile). The debt load is manageable at 0.56 times first-year earnings, notably lower than the national median of $26,000.

The real concern isn't the starting salary—it's the complete absence of earnings growth. Four years out, graduates still earn essentially the same $41,000 they made upon graduation. While teacher salaries are notoriously flat early in careers, most Tennessee education programs show at least modest advancement. For comparison, graduates from nearby Lipscomb and Lee University start $3,400-$6,700 higher and typically see stronger progression through Tennessee's teacher salary schedules.

For families committed to private Christian education in West Tennessee, Freed-Hardeman offers an affordable entry point to teaching with lower debt than most competitors. However, the stagnant earnings trajectory means your child needs to understand they're likely looking at $41,000 for several years. If stronger earning potential matters more than campus environment, the state's flagship programs or private schools like Lipscomb deliver measurably better financial outcomes without dramatically more debt.