Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Navarro College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Navarro College's teaching program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide—remarkable for an associate's degree in education. Graduates earn nearly $33,000 their first year, almost 55% above the Texas median of $21,000 for similar programs. That's strong income for an entry-level teaching position, especially with debt below $17,000, creating a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio.
The slight earnings dip to $31,000 by year four isn't alarming for education careers, which often follow different salary progressions than typical fields. What matters more is the starting advantage: Navarro graduates enter the workforce earning more than peers from 95% of comparable programs. While top performers like Austin Community College see higher outcomes, Navarro substantially outpaces most Texas alternatives at a much more affordable debt level.
The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. A single outlier could skew the picture significantly. That said, the combination of strong placement, reasonable debt, and outcomes that far exceed state and national norms suggests this program effectively prepares students for Texas teaching roles. For families concerned about debt load and employment prospects, this represents a low-risk entry point into education careers, though you'll want to confirm current cohort sizes and placement rates directly with the college.
Where Navarro College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods associates'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 Navarro College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Navarro College graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods associates 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 Texas
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (61 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navarro College | $32,872 | $31,484 | $16,488 | 0.50 |
| Austin Community College District | $46,430 | $45,353 | $17,785 | 0.38 |
| Palo Alto College | $29,062 | $37,357 | $9,430 | 0.32 |
| Dallas College | $25,385 | $43,458 | $12,500 | 0.49 |
| Tarrant County College District | $24,507 | $48,726 | $9,750 | 0.40 |
| Northwest Vista College | $22,352 | $42,292 | $8,750 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $25,120 | — | $13,608 | 0.54 |
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $46,430 | $17,785 |
| Palo Alto College San Antonio | $3,412 | $29,062 | $9,430 |
| Dallas College Dallas | $2,370 | $25,385 | $12,500 |
| Tarrant County College District Fort Worth | $1,728 | $24,507 | $9,750 |
| Northwest Vista College San Antonio | $3,412 | $22,352 | $8,750 |
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 Navarro College, approximately 32% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.