Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana's teacher education program stands out dramatically in Louisiana—graduates earn 66% more than the state median and rank in the 95th percentile among Louisiana programs. At $47,684 one year out, these new teachers are making $3,400 above the national median and nearly matching Northwestern State, the state's top earner in this field.

The concerning part is what happens next: earnings drop to $42,392 by year four, an 11% decline that's unusual even in teaching. This could reflect graduates moving into lower-paying school districts, taking time off, or entering different education roles. The debt load of $25,250 is manageable relative to first-year earnings (a 0.53 ratio), but less so if earnings continue trending downward. Still, this debt is slightly below both state and national medians.

For Louisiana families, this program delivers strong immediate value—your child will likely out-earn most other Louisiana teaching graduates right away. The earnings decline is worth investigating (perhaps by contacting the education department about career paths), but the initial advantage is substantial enough that even with the drop, graduates remain competitive. If your child plans to teach in Louisiana and values a solid starting salary, this program performs well above state expectations.