Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Notre Dame College

Notre Dame College's education program produces earnings that fall below the national average for teaching programs but essentially match the Ohio median—$35,991 versus $35,926 in-state. What makes this particularly notable is the debt load: at $29,000, graduates here borrow more than the state median while earning virtually the same amount. This puts the program at the 60th percentile statewide for earnings but costs more than typical Ohio alternatives.

The modest 5% earnings growth over four years ($35,991 to $37,700) is concerning for a profession where raises typically follow union contracts and additional certifications. Meanwhile, programs like Ohio Dominican and Capital University—also serving similar student populations—show graduates earning $6,000-$7,000 more annually. That salary difference compounds significantly over a teaching career and makes the higher debt here harder to justify.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) does warrant caution—these numbers could shift with more data. But for now, Ohio families have clearer paths into teaching: state universities and several nearby private colleges offer better salary outcomes at comparable or lower cost. Unless this program offers something uniquely valuable to your child, the combination of below-national earnings and above-state debt makes this a harder sell than other Ohio education programs.