Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at State University of New York at Oswego

SUNY Oswego's teacher education program starts graduates at a notably low $35,577—well below both the national median ($41,809) and New York's median ($36,570)—but here's the critical detail: earnings jump 45% by year four to $51,468. That trajectory matters more than the rough first year, ultimately placing graduates well above their peers who started ahead. Among New York's 58 teacher education programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile initially, but that growth rate suggests graduates are securing better positions or moving into administrative roles faster than typical.

The $23,742 in debt is actually lower than both state and national averages, which helps offset the slow start. Your child would face manageable payments while waiting for that earnings growth to kick in. The real question is whether they can weather that first year or two on a tighter budget—perhaps living at home or taking a side job during summers—before the salary increases arrive.

This program works best for students committed to teaching in New York (where those mid-career salaries are competitive) and willing to play the long game. If your child needs strong earnings immediately after graduation to cover living expenses, other SUNY campuses might offer better starting salaries. But for patient families who can provide some initial support, the combination of reasonable debt and solid growth creates a viable path into education.