Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,453
91st percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.57
Manageable
Sample Size
41
Adequate data

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

Gwynedd Mercy UniversityOther teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Gwynedd Mercy University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Gwynedd Mercy University graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 91th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Gwynedd Mercy University$47,453—$27,0000.57
Lebanon Valley College$51,300$43,219$27,0000.53
Elizabethtown College$50,725$50,351$27,0000.53
Messiah University$50,389$47,815$27,0000.54
Drexel University$50,312$46,996$32,3750.64
Temple University$47,825$48,878$26,0000.54
National Median$41,809—$26,0000.62

Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Lebanon Valley College
Annville
$50,320$51,300$27,000
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown
$36,842$50,725$27,000
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg
$40,640$50,389$27,000
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$50,312$32,375
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$47,825$26,000

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.