Analysis
A 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio tells a straightforward story: based on national patterns for Education bachelor's programs, graduates here likely borrow $27,000 to earn around $38,660 in their first year—manageable by most measures. Teaching careers start modestly everywhere, and these estimated figures align closely with what the typical Education program produces nationally ($38,660 median earnings, $26,522 median debt). New England College serves a population where 42% qualify for Pell grants, and its near-open admission suggests it's meeting demand in rural New Hampshire where teacher preparation options are limited.
The challenge isn't the debt load itself—it's reasonable for a teaching credential—but rather the broader economics of the profession. First-year teaching salaries in New Hampshire vary significantly by district, and many new teachers supplement income with summer work or coaching stipends. The estimated figures here suggest outcomes similar to peer programs nationwide, which means graduates should be able to manage loan payments on a standard teacher's salary, though building financial cushion may take time.
For families committed to teaching as a career, this program's estimated debt burden won't derail finances. The real question is whether your child is certain about classroom work, since pivoting away from education with this degree becomes difficult. If teaching is the goal and staying in New Hampshire matters, the numbers work—just understand these are projections based on similar programs, not guaranteed outcomes specific to New England College.
Where New England College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Education bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New England CollegeHenniker | $41,578 | $38,660* | — | $27,000* | — |
 Bellevue UniversityBellevue | $8,886 | $68,730* | — | $26,556* | 0.39 |
 University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu | $12,186 | $60,288* | — | —* | — |
 The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington | $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 |
 Goddard CollegePlainfield | $19,568 | $56,397* | $40,429 | —* | — |
 Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch | $44,850 | $55,579* | $54,660 | $27,000* | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 New England College, approximately 42% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.