Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College's teacher education program lands right in the middle of the pack, ranking at the 60th percentile among Rhode Island programs—which actually means something, since it substantially outearns the state median of $38,486. More impressively, while URI's comparable program produces graduates earning just $32,184, RIC grads start at $44,789. The program also beats the national median by about $1,700, suggesting competent preparation for teaching careers.

The debt picture is unusually favorable. At $29,659, graduates carry slightly more than the state median but far less than most comparable programs nationally (5th percentile for debt). Combined with starting salaries in the mid-$40s, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 means graduates can reasonably expect to manage their loans on a teacher's salary—critical for a profession not known for high pay. Earnings do grow modestly to $47,449 by year four, tracking with typical teacher salary schedules.

For families committed to education as a career, this represents a practical path: below-average debt burden, solid Rhode Island job prospects (given the earnings advantage over in-state competitors), and income that starts at a livable level. The 41% Pell grant population suggests RIC successfully serves students who need affordable access to teaching careers. Just remember these are teacher salaries—comfortable but not lucrative—so passion for the profession matters as much as the numbers.