Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University's teacher education program produces graduates earning about $41,400—slightly below both the national median ($41,800) and Alabama's median ($42,500). More concerning is the state ranking: this program sits at the 40th percentile among Alabama's 24 teacher education programs, with nearby competitors like Alabama, Auburn, and even Troy University producing graduates who earn $1,000-$2,600 more annually. For a family weighing in-state options, that gap adds up to $4,000-$10,000+ over just four years.

The debt load of $25,114 is manageable by national standards, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, which means graduates can realistically handle their monthly payments on a teacher's salary. However, the flat earnings trajectory—just 1% growth over four years—reflects the compressed salary schedules typical in Alabama education. Most teachers here hit their stride quickly but don't see substantial raises without additional credentials.

For families committed to teaching careers in Alabama, this program gets the job done without crushing debt. But if your child has admission offers from Alabama, Auburn, or Samford, those programs deliver higher starting salaries that compound meaningfully over a teaching career. The difference between JSU and top state programs isn't dramatic, but it's real enough to matter when you're living on a teacher's paycheck.