Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Liberty University

Liberty University's teacher preparation program ranks among the lowest-performing nationally, placing in just the 5th percentile for graduate earnings while carrying debt levels that exceed what most programs require. New teachers earn a median of $31,136—nearly $11,000 below the national average for education programs and $1,200 below Virginia's state median.

The debt picture compounds these concerns. At $33,450, graduates carry significantly more debt than both national ($26,000) and state ($32,350) medians for similar programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that essentially means owing more than a full year's salary. Even within Virginia's teacher preparation landscape, Liberty performs in the middle of the pack (40th percentile) despite charging above-average debt loads. Nearby Regent University's program produces graduates earning $2,400 more annually.

With minimal earnings growth over four years and starting salaries that lag substantially behind national standards, this program presents a challenging financial proposition. While teaching can be personally rewarding, parents should weigh whether the premium debt load is justified given the below-average earning outcomes. Consider exploring Virginia's other education programs that deliver better financial returns for similar career paths.