Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Northeast Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Northeast Community College's teaching associate program delivers middling national results but stands out within Nebraska—ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's four programs offering this credential. The $24,710 first-year salary sits slightly below the national median but matches Nebraska's average, reflecting the reality that community college teaching credentials typically lead to paraprofessional or substitute teaching roles rather than full-time teaching positions.
The debt picture is notably better than average. At $11,799, graduates owe about 13% less than the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48. That means roughly six months of first-year salary covers the total debt—a reasonable burden for an associate's degree. The 24% earnings growth to $30,575 by year four suggests graduates find pathways to advancement, whether through full-time positions, additional certifications, or moving into related education support roles.
For Nebraska families, this represents a low-risk entry point into education careers. The relatively light debt load combined with steady earnings growth makes it a practical choice for students testing their commitment to teaching or building toward a bachelor's degree. Just understand that the initial salary reflects the associate credential's limitations in education—you're starting as support staff, not a licensed teacher.
Where Northeast Community 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 Northeast Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northeast Community College graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 47th 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 Nebraska
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods associates's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Community College | $24,710 | $30,575 | $11,799 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $25,120 | — | $13,608 | 0.54 |
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 Northeast Community College, approximately 17% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.