Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Union University

Based on peer programs across Tennessee, subject-area teaching degrees typically launch graduates at around $40,000—just shy of the national median for this field but in line with what Tennessee pays its new teachers. The estimated debt load of $29,625 is somewhat higher than typical for comparable programs in the state, though still manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74. That means roughly three-quarters of a year's salary would go toward the debt if paid immediately—not alarming, but enough to feel the pinch during those early teaching years.

The challenge here is that Tennessee's teacher salaries lag behind what similar graduates earn in other states, and without actual outcomes data for Union's specific program, you're relying on averages that show considerable variation. Other faith-based schools in Tennessee with reported data range from $24,000 to $45,000 in first-year earnings, suggesting that institutional factors—perhaps network strength, certification support, or placement assistance—matter significantly. Union's selectivity (47% admission rate, solid SAT scores) and relatively low Pell grant population suggest it serves more resourced students, which could translate to better outcomes than the state average indicates.

The bottom line: if your child is committed to teaching in Tennessee and values Union's community, these estimates suggest a financially viable path, though not an especially lucrative one. The lack of actual data means you'll want to ask the education department directly about job placement rates and where recent graduates are landing positions.