Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Salisbury University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Salisbury University's teacher education program hits a sweet spot that's increasingly rare: graduates earn above the national median while carrying less debt than typical for this field. With first-year earnings of $45,808 and graduating debt of $24,240, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is manageable enough that teachers can actually afford their loan payments on an educator's salary—a real concern in a profession where financial strain drives many to leave.
Within Maryland, this program lands squarely in the middle of the pack for earnings but matches the state median for debt, making it a reasonable in-state option. The 7% earnings growth to $48,820 by year four reflects typical teacher salary schedules rather than dramatic career advancement, which is standard for the profession. It's worth noting that Towson produces higher earners at $51,209, though the difference may reflect regional salary variations or subject specializations rather than program quality alone.
For families committed to teaching as a career, this program delivers what matters most: solid preparation at a reasonable cost. The moderate sample size suggests enough program stability to trust the numbers, and the 89% admission rate means most qualified applicants can access this pathway. If your child is genuinely passionate about education, the combination of below-average debt and above-average starting pay creates a sustainable foundation for a teaching career.
Where Salisbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Salisbury University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Salisbury University graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury University | $45,808 | $48,820 | $24,240 | 0.53 |
| Towson University | $51,209 | $52,053 | $21,500 | 0.42 |
| Morgan State University | $35,254 | $42,351 | $33,869 | 0.96 |
| National Median | $43,082 | — | $26,221 | 0.61 |
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs in Maryland
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towson University Towson | $11,306 | $51,209 | $21,500 |
| Morgan State University Baltimore | $8,118 | $35,254 | $33,869 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Salisbury University, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 71 graduates with reported earnings and 84 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.