Analysis
Teaching remains one of New York's more stable career paths, but the financial picture here depends heavily on estimates. Based on comparable education programs statewide, St. Thomas Aquinas graduates likely face around $23,250 in debt—slightly below the national median for education degrees—while first-year earnings of roughly $38,660 would place them near the national benchmark. That 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, particularly under income-driven plans common in education, though it's worth noting that actual outcomes for this specific program could differ meaningfully from these peer-based projections.
The estimated earnings align closely with what Empire State University and SUNY Brockport graduates report earning, which offers some reassurance that St. Thomas Aquinas likely prepares students for similar teaching positions in the New York market. However, education salaries in New York vary dramatically by district—downstate positions often pay substantially more than those in rural areas—and these estimates can't tell you where this program's graduates actually land jobs or whether the school's placement network gives them an advantage.
With the lack of published data for this specific program, you're making an investment decision with limited visibility into actual graduate outcomes. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value compared to peer programs, but before committing, push the school for concrete information: Where do their education graduates get hired? What's their teacher certification pass rate? How many are actually teaching five years out? Those answers matter more than estimates drawn from other schools.
Where St. Thomas Aquinas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,720 | $38,660* | — | $23,250* | — | |
| $7,630 | $39,046* | $45,140 | $21,422* | 0.55 | |
| $8,678 | $35,267* | $46,883 | $26,000* | 0.74 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 St. Thomas Aquinas College, approximately 18% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.