Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Spokane Falls Community College

Spokane Falls' associate's-level teaching education program falls noticeably below Washington state standards, where the typical graduate earns $28,118—about $2,300 more annually than graduates here. While first-year earnings of $25,777 nearly match the national median, Washington's teaching credential programs generally perform better, with nearby options like Lake Washington Institute reaching $33,869. The 40th percentile state ranking suggests this program underperforms roughly 60% of comparable programs within Washington.

The $12,500 in typical debt represents a manageable burden at 48% of first-year earnings, and it matches the state median. However, that advantage matters less when earnings themselves lag behind state norms. For parents whose children could attend Clark College or Lake Washington Institute—both offering stronger earnings outcomes in the same state—those alternatives deserve serious consideration, especially given that in-state tuition rates apply across Washington's community college system.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. If your child is committed to teaching and specifically wants to attend in Spokane, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But the earnings gap compared to other Washington programs is real enough to warrant exploring whether those alternatives are geographically feasible before committing.