Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of South Carolina Beaufort

Teaching graduates from USC Beaufort start strong, earning nearly $45,000 in their first year—beating South Carolina's median for education programs by over $4,000 and landing in the 60th percentile statewide. The $27,750 debt load translates to a manageable 0.62 ratio, well below national norms for education degrees. Within South Carolina's competitive teaching market of 32 programs, these are solid starting numbers that outpace larger programs like College of Charleston and Clemson.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their median income slip to $43,041 by year four, a 4% decline that's unusual even in teaching, where salaries typically follow predictable step increases. This could reflect graduates leaving classroom teaching, moving between districts during the critical first contract years, or the realities of teaching in Beaufort County's smaller market. The moderate sample size means individual career paths can sway these figures.

For families considering this program, the math works if your child plans to stay in South Carolina's Lowcountry region and values the smaller campus environment—40% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting strong support for diverse learners. Just recognize that unlike most teaching careers, the early salary advantage here doesn't compound over time. The relatively low debt keeps this financially viable, but this isn't the path to maximizing long-term teaching income in the state.