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

University of La Verne's teacher education graduates start at $27,616—well below the state's already-modest median of $30,554 for these programs. While this places the program in the 40th percentile among California schools (essentially middle-of-the-pack for the state), it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, reflecting how California's teaching salaries generally lag other states. The $23,533 in median debt is manageable relative to first-year earnings, though students carry this into a profession not known for rapid salary growth.

The $32,008 earned four years out represents 16% growth, but even this figure trails nearby Cal State Fullerton ($33,493) and sits far below UC Irvine's $56,003. For context, nearly half of La Verne students receive Pell grants, meaning many are counting on teaching as a path to financial stability. Starting at under $28,000 in one of the country's most expensive states makes that challenging, even with relatively modest debt.

If your child is passionate about teaching and committed to staying in California, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. However, they should understand they're entering a field where financial security builds slowly, and La Verne's outcomes suggest slightly lower starting positions than the typical California teaching program would provide.