Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's teacher education program stands out as an exceptional value in Arizona's competitive landscape. With earnings at the 75th percentile nationally and significantly lower debt than typical education programs, this represents one of the strongest financial outcomes you'll find for future teachers.

The debt picture is particularly compelling. At $18,500, graduates carry roughly $7,000 less debt than the state average and $7,500 less than the national average for education programs. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.41—meaning graduates need less than half their first-year salary to cover their student loans. Among Arizona's education programs, NAU ranks solidly in the middle for earnings while offering substantially better debt terms than competitors like ASU or University of Arizona.

The slight earnings dip from year one to four (-3%) is common in education as new teachers often start with temporary or substitute positions before securing permanent roles. What matters more is that NAU graduates begin their careers earning above both state and national mediums for education programs. For parents concerned about the financial viability of their child's teaching career, this program delivers strong earning potential with manageable debt—a rare combination in teacher preparation programs.