Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of Saint Mary

Borrowing an estimated $25,583 to earn $41,669 in your first year as a teacher represents solid debt management—the 0.61 ratio falls well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, the earnings trajectory tells a more unusual story: graduates see their income drop 9% by year four, falling to $37,696. This backward progression is uncommon even in teaching, where salary growth tends to be modest but steady.

Similar programs across Kansas typically produce first-year earnings of $43,014, putting University of Saint Mary graduates about $1,300 below their state peers. The state's top teacher prep programs—including Washburn and Friends University—see graduates earning $4,000-5,000 more in year one. While the debt burden appears manageable based on comparable Kansas programs, the declining income pattern raises questions about whether graduates are staying in teaching roles or encountering local market challenges.

The financial picture here hinges entirely on staying power in the profession. If the downward earnings trend reflects teachers leaving the field or shifting to lower-paying positions, the initial debt advantage becomes less meaningful. Before committing, understand whether this salary decline is unique to this program's graduates or reflects broader employment patterns, and consider whether your child has strong ties to Kansas school districts where University of Saint Mary credentials carry weight.