Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's teaching program puts graduates slightly ahead of the typical New Hampshire teacher education program, though the modest $46,164 four-year earnings tell the familiar story of teaching salaries. The $27,000 debt load sits right at the state median, yielding a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio—not exceptional, but reasonable for a field where financial sacrifice is often part of the career choice. What's notable is that these graduates outpace most peers: 63rd percentile nationally and 60th percentile in New Hampshire, where competition includes nine other programs.

The numbers look stable rather than spectacular, with just 3% earnings growth over four years. SNHU's high acceptance rate (96%) and nearly half its students receiving Pell grants suggest accessible education that doesn't saddle future teachers with overwhelming debt. The graduates here earn about $3,700 more than those from Plymouth State after four years, though neither program leads to lucrative salaries.

One important caveat: the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could significantly skew these figures. Still, for families committed to teaching careers and seeking an affordable New Hampshire option, this program delivers competitive outcomes without creating a debt trap. The real question isn't whether this is a good teaching program—it appears solid—but whether teaching salaries in general justify any bachelor's degree debt.