Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex's teaching credential program costs just over $10,000 and leads to earnings around $28,600—putting graduates above the national median but slightly below Massachusetts' state median. The modest debt load means you'll owe about four months of salary, which is manageable for an associate's degree. The concerning wrinkle: while this program ranks in the 78th percentile nationally, it sits at just the 40th percentile within Massachusetts, where several community colleges get their graduates to $32,000-34,000 in similar roles.

The small sample size here (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. That said, the pattern is clear: Massachusetts pays its education paraprofessionals and teacher assistants relatively well compared to most states, but Northern Essex graduates aren't capturing the top end of that market. Earnings barely budge over four years, suggesting limited advancement potential without additional credentials.

For families considering this path, the low debt is the program's strongest asset. If your child plans to continue toward a bachelor's degree (which most teaching jobs require), this provides an affordable entry point. But if the associate's is the terminal degree, understand that $29,000 represents both the starting point and likely the plateau—and other Massachusetts community colleges are placing graduates into better-paying positions right out of the gate.