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

Kentucky State's teaching program reports earnings that lag significantly behind other Kentucky options—just $25,378 in the first year compared to a state median of $35,282. That's a $10,000 gap, though you should note that this data represents fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than larger programs. Still, even accounting for the small sample, landing in the 5th percentile nationally is concerning for a profession where starting salaries are relatively standardized across districts.

The debt load itself isn't unusual at $26,436 (matching the state median), but paired with those lower earnings, you're looking at a debt-to-income ratio above 1.0—meaning graduates owe more than they earn in their first year. Compare that to University of Louisville's education graduates earning $56,188 with similar debt, or even Western Kentucky at $36,830. The institution serves a high proportion of Pell Grant students (57%), which is admirable, but the outcome data suggests graduates aren't getting the same financial return as peers elsewhere in the state.

If your child is set on teaching in Kentucky, they'd likely be better served by one of the larger public universities where sample sizes are robust and earnings track closer to typical teacher salaries. The concerning numbers here—combined with the statistical uncertainty of a small cohort—make this a riskier choice than alternatives just an hour down the road.