Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State's teaching program places graduates squarely in the middle nationally but lags behind most Kansas alternatives—ranking in just the 40th percentile among in-state options. While first-year earnings of $41,572 essentially match the national median, they trail the Kansas median by nearly $1,500, and graduates from five other Kansas programs consistently earn $3,000-$5,000 more annually. That gap matters over a teaching career: the difference between Pittsburg State and Washburn University represents roughly $20,000 over a four-year period, with that disparity likely to compound over time.

The program does offer one advantage: graduates carry about $2,900 less debt than the Kansas median, resulting in a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, the near-flat earnings trajectory—just 2% growth from year one to year four—is concerning for a field where early-career advancement typically comes through additional certifications and experience. This stagnation suggests graduates may be hitting salary ceilings quickly or facing limited opportunities for professional growth.

For Kansas residents paying in-state tuition, stronger options exist at comparable public universities. The moderate debt load makes this program workable, but the combination of below-median state earnings and minimal income growth means your child would likely start their teaching career at a disadvantage compared to peers from Kansas State, KU, or Washburn.