Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama's teacher education graduates face a difficult first year, earning just $26,888—well below both the state median of $32,093 and the national average. This program ranks in the bottom 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of comparable programs produce better starting outcomes. While it performs slightly better within Alabama (25th percentile), that's cold comfort when even the state median is disappointingly low.

The good news is that earnings nearly double by year four, reaching $43,745, which actually surpasses both state and national benchmarks. This suggests the program adequately prepares teachers, but they may be entering districts with particularly weak starting salaries or taking longer to secure full-time positions. The $27,000 in debt is manageable relative to that first-year salary, but parents should recognize their child will likely struggle financially during those critical early years of loan repayment.

For families who can provide financial support during the first few years post-graduation, this becomes more workable—the long-term outlook improves considerably. But if your child needs to be financially independent immediately after college, compare this carefully against Auburn ($44,897 starting) or Athens State ($42,403), both of which offer substantially better launch points into the same career field.