Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at University of Southern Mississippi

Based on peer programs across Mississippi, this specialized teacher education degree suggests first-year earnings around $39,558 with debt near $21,750—a relatively manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than many education programs nationally. The estimated debt figure is notably lower than both the state median ($24,012) and national median ($26,221) for this credential, which matters when teacher salaries start modest. However, the four-year earnings data ($38,717) reveals something concerning: while comparable Mississippi programs typically start around $39,558, Southern Miss graduates in this field see essentially flat income trajectory, suggesting limited salary growth in those crucial early career years.

The context here is important. Mississippi teacher education programs produce earnings well below the national median ($43,082), and within the state, this program tracks near the middle of the pack. Some Mississippi institutions—William Carey notably—report first-year outcomes above $52,000 for their graduates, while others cluster in the high $30,000s. Without actual outcomes data for Southern Miss specifically, it's difficult to know where their graduates truly land in this range.

For parents, the lower estimated debt load offers some cushion against Mississippi's below-average teacher salaries, but the lack of earnings growth between years one and four is a yellow flag. Teaching careers typically rely on steady incremental raises and advanced degree premiums—if those aren't materializing, the long-term financial picture becomes challenging. Before committing, verify current graduate outcomes directly with the program office and understand what percentage of graduates secure full-time teaching positions in their subject area.