Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State's teaching program hits above the state median but trails national earnings by about $1,100 annually. More significantly, graduates here carry $28,000 in debt—ranking in the 17th percentile nationally, meaning 83% of similar programs leave students with more debt. That's a real advantage in a field where starting salaries rarely break $45,000.

The 60th percentile ranking among Colorado teaching programs matters for students planning to stay in-state. You're getting outcomes that beat the local median while keeping debt relatively contained. The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for teachers, particularly compared to programs where graduates face debt equivalent to their entire first year's salary. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers.

The tradeoff is straightforward: you're preparing for a field with predictable but modest earnings in exchange for lower borrowing. With the school's 99% acceptance rate and strong Pell enrollment (35%), this program serves students who need an accessible path to teaching credentials without crushing debt. For families focused on becoming teachers in Colorado schools while minimizing financial risk, the combination of below-average debt and above-median state outcomes makes this a sensible choice.