Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of New Orleans

Teaching in Louisiana offers modest but stable salaries, and UNO's program places graduates slightly above both national averages and right at the state median of $45,957. The $47,905 first-year salary beats 94% of similar programs nationally, though it's worth noting this represents a small graduating class—fewer than 30 students. That strong national ranking matters less in context: Louisiana teacher pay is relatively uniform, and this program sits in the middle of the pack statewide, trailing Louisiana State-Shreveport and Northwestern State by about $1,000-2,000 annually.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory. Salaries drop to $42,536 by year four, an 11% decline that's unusual even for teaching. This could reflect graduates shifting between districts, moving to part-time roles, or leaving the profession entirely. The $24,514 in debt is manageable at roughly half of first-year earnings, positioning graduates better than the national average borrower in this field.

For Louisiana families committed to keeping their student in-state for teaching, this program works—the debt load is reasonable and starting salaries match expectations. But the small cohort size means your child's experience could vary significantly from these numbers, and that earnings drop deserves scrutiny. If considering UNO specifically versus other Louisiana teaching programs, the similar outcomes at schools like Southeastern or Nicholls suggest location and campus fit should drive the decision more than earnings potential.