Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at University of South Carolina-Upstate

USC Upstate's teacher education program produces graduates earning about $1,000 below the state median and nearly $4,000 below the national benchmark—landing in the 40th percentile statewide. With only small cohorts graduating (fewer than 30 students tracked), these numbers could shift significantly year to year, but the pattern suggests this program trails competitors like North Greenville and USC-Columbia by $4,000+ annually.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $31,000, graduates here carry notably more than the state's $27,000 median, though the 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable for a teaching career. Still, when you're starting at $39,511 and paying down $31,000 in loans, you're looking at tighter margins than graduates from comparable South Carolina programs who earn more while often borrowing less.

For families considering this program, the calculus is straightforward—you'll likely pay similar or higher debt for below-average starting earnings in a field that already demands financial sacrifice. Given the small sample size, ask the department about recent placement rates and salary trends. If teaching is the calling, exploring programs at USC-Columbia or North Greenville might deliver better financial footing in those critical first years.