Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of Louisville
Bachelor's Degree
louisville.eduAnalysis
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 $41,672βabout $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 choiceβjust 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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville | $41,672 | $42,115 | +1% |
| Bellarmine University | $38,469 | $40,317 | +5% |
| University of Kentucky | $41,312 | $39,718 | -4% |
| Northern Kentucky University | $38,059 | $37,876 | -0% |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $37,366 | $36,043 | -4% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,828 | $41,672 | $42,115 | $23,584 | 0.57 | |
| $13,212 | $41,312 | $39,718 | $23,250 | 0.56 | |
| $38,400 | $40,439 | β | $27,000 | 0.67 | |
| $33,393 | $39,559 | β | β | β | |
| $33,640 | $39,215 | $34,200 | $28,000 | 0.71 | |
| $47,180 | $38,469 | $40,317 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| National Median | β | $41,809 | β | $26,000 | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Training and Development Specialists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Teachers and Instructors, All Other
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
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.