Education at Lee University

Lee University's Education program produces graduates earning $26,676 in their first year—well below the $32,461 national median for education degrees. However, Tennessee's teacher salary landscape tells a more complex story: this program sits at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it actually outperforms most in-state education programs despite the low absolute numbers. The debt load of $28,375 creates a 1.06 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe more than they'll earn in their first year, though this beats 81% of education programs nationally on debt burden.

The concerning element here isn't unique to Lee—it's Tennessee's teacher compensation. Education graduates across the state face similar starting salaries, and Lee's modest 10% earnings growth to $29,370 by year four reflects broader market constraints rather than program weakness. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty to these figures, but the pattern aligns with what parents should expect: teaching in Tennessee means modest pay regardless of where you earn your degree.

For families committed to teaching in Tennessee, Lee positions graduates competitively within the state market while keeping debt slightly lower than many peer programs. But if higher earnings matter more than geography, consider out-of-state programs or different career paths entirely—Tennessee's education wages simply lag national standards by about $6,000 annually.