Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Highline College

Based on comparable education programs in Washington, this bachelor's degree appears positioned right at the state median—$44,922 in first-year earnings—which notably outpaces the national typical outcome of $41,809. However, that median masks significant variation: top Washington programs like Pacific Lutheran and Pierce College District produce graduates earning $55,000 to $57,000 in their first year, suggesting that where you earn this degree matters considerably in teacher preparation.

The estimated debt load of $20,545 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, more favorable than the national median debt of $26,000 for education majors. This lighter debt burden provides some cushion against teaching's relatively modest starting salaries. Still, similar Washington programs suggest you'd be entering the workforce in the middle of the pack salary-wise, earning roughly $10,000 less annually than graduates from the state's stronger education programs.

The core question is whether Highline College's specific preparation, connections with local school districts, and student teaching placements can close that gap—or whether the $10,000+ premium at established teacher preparation programs justifies their higher cost. Given the limited graduate sample here, reaching out to Highline's education department about job placement rates and which districts hire their graduates would help determine if this estimated middle-of-the-road outcome reflects their actual track record.