Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at North Central College

North Central College charges above-average tuition for teacher education that delivers above-average results—but only when measured nationally. At $47,668 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 14% more than the national median for this program, ranking in the 92nd percentile nationally. However, within Illinois—where most of these graduates will likely teach—the picture shifts considerably: they land squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, earning about $3,500 more than the state median but roughly $13,000 less than graduates from UIC or Loyola.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable relative to starting salary (0.57 ratio), and low compared to peers nationally. Still, Illinois offers 48 teacher education programs, many with comparable or better outcomes. Graduates from Elmhurst, Wheaton, and U of I Urbana all start at similar or higher salaries, making North Central's premium tuition harder to justify on earnings alone. The minimal earnings growth from year one to four ($700 over three years) is typical for teaching but means the financial picture doesn't improve much over time.

For families committed to North Central's specific environment or teaching approach, the debt burden won't be crushing. But parents focused purely on ROI should compare carefully against state school options and nearby private competitors that place graduates into similar or higher-paying teaching positions without necessarily charging more.