Analysis
Based on peer programs nationwide, Education bachelor's degrees typically produce first-year earnings around $38,660—exactly what similar programs suggest for Tabor's graduates. The estimated $27,000 in debt sits just above the national median for Education majors, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70. That's manageable territory for a teaching credential, where salaries start modest but offer stability and public-sector benefits that raw numbers don't capture.
The challenge with Education degrees isn't the debt load—it's that teaching salaries compress quickly. Nationally, even top-quartile programs in this field only push first-year earnings to $44,200, meaning there's limited room for this program to distinguish itself financially. Kansas teaching salaries vary significantly by district, and without program-specific outcomes from Tabor or the state's six other Education programs, you're relying on national patterns that may not reflect local hiring realities in rural Kansas.
For families committed to teaching as a career, these estimated figures suggest a reasonable financial starting point. The debt level won't be crushing on a teacher's salary, particularly with loan forgiveness programs available to educators. However, if your child is weighing Education against other majors or uncertain about classroom work, recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into how Tabor's specific program performs in Kansas job markets.
Where Tabor College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Education bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,050 | $38,660* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $8,886 | $68,730* | — | $26,556* | 0.39 | |
| $12,186 | $60,288* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 | |
| $19,568 | $56,397* | $40,429 | —* | — | |
| $44,850 | $55,579* | $54,660 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| 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 Tabor College, approximately 38% 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.