Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Saint Augustine's University

The estimated first-year salary of $42,137 sits right at North Carolina's median for this credential, suggesting that comparable teacher education programs across the state produce similar early-career outcomes. With an estimated debt load of $27,000—derived from national patterns at similar institutions—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 falls within a manageable range for an education career. Teaching salaries follow structured pay scales, so this estimated starting point reflects what new teachers typically earn statewide, regardless of which preparation program they completed.

The challenge lies in teaching's inherent salary constraints. While peer programs at NC State and East Carolina show first-year earnings around $43,600-$45,300, even those modest premiums translate to just $1,000-$3,000 more annually in a profession where raises follow fixed schedules rather than market dynamics. With 52% of Saint Augustine's students receiving Pell grants, many families are banking on teaching's job stability and pension benefits to offset the slower wealth accumulation compared to private-sector careers.

For families evaluating this path: the estimated figures suggest typical outcomes for North Carolina teacher preparation programs, but teaching's real return depends on factors these numbers can't capture—state pension contributions, summers off, and career longevity. If your student is committed to teaching and values serving communities, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable. If they're uncertain about the profession, accumulating $27,000 in loans for a career starting at $42,000 leaves little cushion for a career pivot.