Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,672
49th percentile
60th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$23,584
9% below national median

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 $41,672β€”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 choiceβ€”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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of LouisvilleLouisville$12,828$41,672$42,115$23,5840.57
University of KentuckyLexington$13,212$41,312$39,718$23,2500.56
Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills$38,400$40,439β€”$27,0000.67
Kentucky Wesleyan CollegeOwensboro$33,393$39,559β€”β€”β€”
Asbury UniversityWilmore$33,640$39,215$34,200$28,0000.71
Bellarmine UniversityLouisville$47,180$38,469$40,317$27,0000.70
National Medianβ€”$41,809β€”$26,0000.62

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

$59,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Teachers and Instructors, All Other

All teachers and instructors not listed separately.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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.