Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Regent University

Given the small sample size here, take these numbers as directional rather than definitive. That said, Regent's teacher education program shows earnings about $8,000 below the national median for education majors, though it's actually above average for Virginia—a state where teacher pay appears to lag behind much of the country. The $31,250 debt load is typical for the field, translating to roughly one year's starting salary, which is manageable compared to many degree programs. What's notable is that Regent's outcomes look similar to Liberty University's, Virginia's largest teacher education program, suggesting these modest starting salaries reflect the state's education market more than the institution itself.

The real question is whether your student is committed to teaching in Virginia specifically. If they're open to other states or career paths that value an education degree, programs in higher-paying regions might offer better returns. But if staying in Virginia is the plan—whether for family, licensure, or personal reasons—Regent's outcomes are competitive with state alternatives. The debt burden won't be crushing, and nearly half of students receive Pell grants, indicating the school serves students from various economic backgrounds.

For a child truly passionate about teaching and planning to work in Virginia schools, this program won't derail their financial future. Just understand that teaching salaries start modest everywhere, and Virginia's are particularly so.