Education at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Based on comparable education programs nationwide, NC State's Bachelor's in Education points to first-year earnings around $38,660—notably higher than the state median of $33,806 for education degrees in North Carolina. This matters because teaching salaries vary significantly across the state, and graduates from NC State's program appear positioned at the stronger end of that range. The estimated $24,333 in debt sits below both state and national medians for education programs, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63—manageable for an entry-level teaching salary.

The challenge with education degrees is that earnings growth tends to follow structured pay scales rather than market performance, so that first-year figure is a meaningful indicator of longer-term financial trajectory. Similar programs typically see graduates in stable but modest-earning careers, and while NC State's selective admission profile (40% acceptance rate, 1380 SAT average) suggests strong student preparation, the financial returns ultimately reflect the broader economics of the teaching profession. The lower debt load compared to peer programs helps offset this reality.

For parents, the practical question is whether your child is committed to education as a career, since the degree has limited pivot options. The estimated numbers suggest NC State produces a better-than-average outcome for this field within the state, but "better-than-average" still means starting around $38,000 annually. If teaching is the goal, this looks like solid preparation without excessive debt burden.