Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of Louisville
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Louisville's teacher education program produces slightly above-average earnings for Kentucky but places graduates in the middle of the pack nationally. First-year teachers earn $41,672—about $4,000 more than the Kentucky median but essentially matching the national average. Among Kentucky's 28 teacher education programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only the University of Kentucky by a few hundred dollars among major state schools.
The concerning element here is minimal earnings growth: graduates see just a 1% increase over four years, reaching $42,115. This stagnation is typical in teaching, where pay scales move slowly, but it means the initial salary is essentially what parents should expect for the mid-career outlook. The debt load of $23,584 translates to a manageable 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio, though it's slightly higher than what top-tier programs in the state achieve. With robust sample size confirming these figures, families can trust this data represents a reliable picture.
For Kentucky families committed to teaching careers, Louisville delivers competitive preparation at a reasonable debt level. The earnings won't significantly increase over time, but the program costs less to attend than several private alternatives while producing better outcomes than most in-state options. If your child is passionate about education, this represents a solid in-state choice—just ensure they understand that $42,000 will likely remain their earning ceiling for years to come.
Where University of Louisville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Louisville graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 49th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville | $41,672 | $42,115 | $23,584 | 0.57 |
| University of Kentucky | $41,312 | $39,718 | $23,250 | 0.56 |
| Thomas More University | $40,439 | — | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College | $39,559 | — | — | — |
| Asbury University | $39,215 | $34,200 | $28,000 | 0.71 |
| Bellarmine University | $38,469 | $40,317 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $41,809 | — | $26,000 | 0.62 |
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky Lexington | $13,212 | $41,312 | $23,250 |
| Thomas More University Crestview Hills | $38,400 | $40,439 | $27,000 |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro | $33,393 | $39,559 | — |
| Asbury University Wilmore | $33,640 | $39,215 | $28,000 |
| Bellarmine University Louisville | $47,180 | $38,469 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Louisville, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 112 graduates with reported earnings and 124 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.