Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Liberty University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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.
Where Liberty University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Liberty University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Liberty University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | $31,136 | $31,860 | $33,450 | 1.07 |
| Regent University | $33,534 | — | $31,250 | 0.93 |
| National Median | $41,809 | — | $26,000 | 0.62 |
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regent University Virginia Beach | $20,686 | $33,534 | $31,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Liberty University, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 403 graduates with reported earnings and 696 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.