Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Salem State University

In Massachusetts, where most education programs report first-year earnings in the $38,000-$39,000 range, Salem State graduates appear positioned near or slightly above the state median based on national benchmarks. The $27,000 debt load matches exactly what Massachusetts students typically carry for this credential—landing at the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of education programs nationwide saddle graduates with more debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 suggests manageable repayment, though teaching careers famously compress earnings across the skill spectrum. Similar programs nationwide produce first-year earnings around $43,000, which would mean roughly $270 in monthly loan payments on a standard 10-year plan—tight but feasible on a teacher's budget. The real question is whether your child is committed to education specifically; this debt level works for someone planning a full teaching career in Massachusetts but becomes harder to justify if they're uncertain about the field or might switch careers after a few years.

Salem State's 96% admission rate and accessibility to Pell students (35% of enrollment) suggests a mission-driven institution focused on preparing teachers from diverse backgrounds. For families specifically targeting education careers in Massachusetts public schools, the debt picture here is better than most alternatives. Just recognize you're betting on comparable rather than verified outcomes for this particular program.