Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Hofstra University

Hofstra's teacher education program starts at $35,353—below both the national median ($41,809) and the state median ($36,570)—but the trajectory tells a more optimistic story. By year four, graduates reach $49,498, which represents 40% growth and ultimately surpasses what most teachers in this program earn nationally or in New York. That kind of earnings acceleration suggests graduates are finding better positions or moving into administrative roles as they gain experience.

The challenge is the small sample size (under 30 graduates), which makes these numbers less reliable. The program ranks in just the 15th percentile nationally but hits the 40th percentile in New York, where teacher salaries and competition vary widely. With debt of $25,359, graduates face manageable payments relative to their fourth-year earnings, and the debt load sits right at the state median. Still, that first year will be tight—living on $35,000 in the New York metro area requires careful budgeting or external support.

For parents, the key question is whether your child plans to stay in teaching long-term. If they're committed to the profession and willing to weather lean early years, the strong earnings growth makes this viable. But if they're uncertain about teaching or want higher starting pay, programs like Monroe or Manhattan deliver significantly better initial outcomes.