Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at University of Central Florida

UCF's teacher education program faces a significant challenge: graduates earn substantially less than peers across Florida, ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide with median starting salaries of $33,471 compared to the state median of $47,698. This $14,000+ gap persists even as graduates progress in their careers, with four-year earnings of $45,156 still trailing the typical Florida teacher education graduate's starting salary.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. While UCF graduates carry slightly less debt than the state average ($21,088 vs. $22,500), they're borrowing far more than typical programs nationally, landing in the 88th percentile for debt burden. The combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt creates a challenging financial reality for new teachers, though the 35% earnings growth over four years shows the profession does reward experience.

For parents considering this investment, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere in Florida's teacher education landscape. Programs at Florida Atlantic, Florida State, and even community colleges like St. Petersburg significantly outperform UCF in graduate earnings. Unless your child has specific ties to UCF or Orlando, the state offers multiple alternatives that better position graduates financially for a teaching career.