Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier's teaching program produces graduates earning $46,835 in their first year—nearly $4,000 above the national median and solidly in the 79th percentile nationally. That's meaningful in education, where starting salaries are typically compressed and predictable. However, the 60th percentile ranking within Illinois reveals tougher in-state competition, with top programs like Northeastern Illinois producing graduates earning $63,000+. Still, at roughly $2,200 above Illinois's median, Saint Xavier holds its own in a crowded field of 43 programs.

The $27,194 debt load sits right at Illinois's median and translates to a 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio—reasonable for teaching, where loan forgiveness programs can meaningfully reduce long-term burden. The 5% earnings growth to year four ($49,108) tracks with typical teacher salary schedules. One red flag: this analysis draws from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than these medians suggest.

For families comfortable with the admittedly limited sample size, this program offers above-average earning potential in a field known for stability and benefits. The debt burden won't be crushing, and graduates start with a real advantage over most teaching programs nationwide.