Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Kansas State University

Kansas State's teaching program produces graduates who earn above both national and state medians right out of the gate—$45,179 versus $43,082 nationally and $43,878 statewide. That's solid for a profession not known for high starting salaries, landing in the 66th percentile nationally. Among Kansas's 22 teacher prep programs, it slots in comfortably at the 60th percentile, trailing only Wichita State among the state's major universities.

The debt picture requires more scrutiny. At $22,814, graduates carry about $3,000 less than typical for Kansas teaching programs, but the 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio still means dedicating half a year's salary to student loans. This matters in teaching, where raises follow predictable schedules and private-sector pivots are less common. The national debt percentile (80th) suggests this debt load is on the higher end compared to peer programs, though the absolute amount remains manageable.

For Kansas families planning to keep their graduates in-state, K-State delivers a straightforward value: competitive earnings preparation with reasonable debt for a teaching career. You're not getting Wichita State's edge in placement or salary outcomes, but you're also avoiding the risk of programs like KU that leave graduates earning $5,000 less annually. For students committed to teaching in Kansas schools, this represents a reliable path into the profession without unnecessary financial burden.