Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,453
91st percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median

Analysis

Gwynedd Mercy graduates earn notably more than the national median for teaching programs—about $5,600 more in their first year—while carrying typical debt levels of $27,000. That 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio is quite manageable for a teaching career, where starting salaries can often strain new graduates. The university's 94% acceptance rate and accessible profile make this strong outcome particularly impressive, as it's drawing from a broader student base yet still producing above-average results.

The Pennsylvania context adds nuance. While Gwynedd Mercy graduates out-earn the state median by about $5,000, several Pennsylvania schools place graduates at the $50,000+ level. However, those tend to be more selective institutions with different cost structures. At the 60th percentile statewide, Gwynedd Mercy sits solidly in the middle tier of Pennsylvania teaching programs—performing well without commanding the premium of the top handful of schools.

For families considering teaching as a career path, this program delivers solid value: above-national earnings, manageable debt, and a realistic entry point. The $47,453 starting salary won't make anyone wealthy, but combined with teaching's benefits, pension systems, and the reasonable debt load, graduates should build financial stability within a few years of graduation.

Where Gwynedd Mercy University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Gwynedd Mercy University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (69 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Gwynedd Mercy UniversityGwynedd Valley$38,310$47,453$27,0000.57
Lebanon Valley CollegeAnnville$50,320$51,300$43,219$27,0000.53
Elizabethtown CollegeElizabethtown$36,842$50,725$50,351$27,0000.53
Messiah UniversityMechanicsburg$40,640$50,389$47,815$27,0000.54
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$50,312$46,996$32,3750.64
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$47,825$48,878$26,0000.54
National Median$41,809$26,0000.62

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

$59,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Teachers and Instructors, All Other

All teachers and instructors not listed separately.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Gwynedd Mercy University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.