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

University of Florida's subject-specific teaching program costs remarkably little—graduates carry just $15,275 in debt, less than what 95% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with. Starting salaries of $47,572 beat the national median by over $4,000 and place UF in the 84th percentile nationally. For a highly selective flagship university, this combination of strong outcomes and minimal debt is unusual and worth serious consideration.

The Florida context tells a more nuanced story. While UF graduates start above the national average, they actually earn slightly less than the state median of $47,698 and sit in just the 40th percentile among Florida teaching programs. Schools like Florida Atlantic and Florida State produce graduates earning $3,000-$6,000 more annually. The earnings dip to $44,966 by year four is also concerning—this backward trajectory suggests teachers in these specialized subjects may not see the salary progression parents hope for, regardless of where they train.

Still, that debt advantage is hard to ignore. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, UF graduates owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary—a manageable burden that leaves more financial breathing room than the typical teacher education program. If your child is already set on teaching and committed to staying in Florida, programs with higher earning potential exist. But if UF's overall academic environment appeals and teaching is the goal, the low debt floor provides valuable flexibility should career plans shift.