Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Temple University

Temple's teacher education program significantly outperforms national benchmarks—graduates earn $6,000 more than the typical program nationally, landing at the 93rd percentile. However, that impressive national ranking tells only part of the story. Within Pennsylvania, where most graduates will likely teach, Temple sits squarely in the middle at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Lebanon Valley and Elizabethtown by $3,000-$4,000 annually. The $26,000 debt load is manageable at 54% of first-year earnings, but those earnings remain essentially flat four years out at just under $49,000.

For a parent whose child plans to stay in Pennsylvania, this program offers solid but not exceptional preparation. You're getting better outcomes than most education programs nationally, but not necessarily the best value in-state—especially if your child qualifies for admission to the top-tier PA programs that deliver similar debt with $2,000-$3,000 higher earnings. The minimal earnings growth means your child's early teaching salary is likely their long-term salary, a reality in education but one worth understanding upfront.

The straightforward calculation: Temple provides reliable entry into teaching at a reasonable price, but it's neither the bargain nor the standout among Pennsylvania options. If Temple offers significant merit aid or your child has strong ties to Philadelphia schools, it's a defensible choice. Otherwise, compare closely with other in-state offers.