Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western's teacher education program sits squarely in the middle of the pack among Missouri schools—40th percentile statewide—but that still means graduates earn about $10,000 less than the national median for this degree. At $33,183 in first-year earnings, graduates here make roughly $6,300 below Missouri's typical outcome and trail the state's top programs by more than $6,000 annually.

The debt load of $24,704 is actually slightly better than both state and national medians, which keeps the immediate burden manageable at a 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means a year's salary covers more than the total debt, which provides some breathing room. However, teacher salaries in Missouri start lower than in many other states, and this program's graduates are earning below even that baseline.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. But if you're planning to teach in Missouri, you should know that schools like University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri State place graduates who earn $5,000-$6,500 more in their first year. That gap compounds over time. This program works if location or affordability drives your decision, but recognize you'll likely start your teaching career earning less than peers from nearby alternatives.