Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College's teacher education graduates carry slightly more debt than peers while earning slightly less—landing below the median among Idaho's seven programs offering this degree. At $40,305 in first-year earnings versus $41,010 statewide, graduates trail most competitors, including Idaho State ($43,105) and Boise State ($42,237). The minimal earnings growth to year four suggests teachers here reach their plateau quickly, a common pattern in states without aggressive step schedules for early-career educators.

The saving grace is manageable debt: $27,988 represents just 69% of first-year salary, well below levels that typically strain teacher budgets. This debt load sits comfortably in the 18th percentile nationally—meaning 82% of similar programs leave graduates owing more. For a field where high debt can push people out of the profession entirely, this relative affordability matters considerably.

The practical calculation: Your child will earn about $3,000 less annually than peers from Idaho's top programs while carrying similar debt. For families prioritizing staying in Idaho's smaller communities (where Lewis-Clark has strong placement networks), that tradeoff may work. But if flexibility matters—or if you're comparing to in-state options like Idaho State—the earnings gap suggests looking at alternatives unless location or fit strongly favor Lewiston.