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

Kennesaw State delivers above-average outcomes for Georgia teachers, beating 60% of in-state programs and placing graduates well above the state's $41,582 median. While first-year earnings of $45,243 trail only Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College among major Georgia education programs, the modest 4% growth to $47,255 by year four means these teachers essentially reach their earning ceiling quickly—typical for the profession, but worth understanding upfront.

The debt picture looks reasonable at first glance: $26,500 is slightly below both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates owe roughly seven months of salary, which they can realistically pay down on a teacher's income. The challenge isn't the debt load itself but rather the limited salary progression teachers face across Georgia. With 35% of Kennesaw students receiving Pell grants, many graduates from working-class backgrounds will need to budget carefully during those early career years.

For families who value teaching as a stable career with good benefits and summers off, this program represents a solid path—especially compared to pricier private alternatives. Just be realistic that your child will likely earn in the mid-$40,000s throughout their twenties, whether they graduate from here or UGA.