Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Georgia Military College

Georgia Military College's associate program in teacher education costs significantly less than typical Georgia programs—$11,116 versus the state median of $18,093—while achieving middle-of-the-pack outcomes. First-year earnings of $21,591 land exactly at Georgia's median for this degree, putting graduates in the 60th percentile statewide even though they rank just 26th percentile nationally. That gap reflects Georgia's challenging education salary market more than any weakness in the program itself.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 is manageable, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary. Earnings climb 18% by year four to $25,414, which matches the national median and suggests graduates find their footing in teaching positions. For students planning to stay in Georgia's education system, where starting salaries for paraprofessionals and early childhood educators remain compressed, this program offers an affordable entry point without the debt burden seen at most competing schools.

The value here is straightforward: lower debt for comparable Georgia outcomes. Parents should verify this aligns with their child's specific career goal—whether that's becoming a certified teacher (which typically requires a bachelor's degree) or working in early childhood education or paraprofessional roles where an associate degree suffices. For the latter path, keeping debt under $12,000 while building credentials makes practical sense.