Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at University of St Francis

Teaching programs in Illinois show considerable variation in outcomes, with top performers like Northeastern Illinois reaching $63,615 in first-year earnings while peer programs at similar private institutions suggest University of St. Francis graduates might start around $44,600. That's solidly in the middle of the pack statewide, though well below what the strongest programs deliver. The estimated $27,000 in debt—typical for Illinois teaching programs—creates a manageable but not trivial burden with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61.

Here's the practical reality: teaching salaries depend heavily on where graduates land their first job, as Illinois districts vary dramatically in compensation. The state median for this credential type aligns with national benchmarks ($43,082), suggesting these estimates reflect reasonable starting points for new teachers. However, the gap between University of St. Francis's estimated outcomes and top-tier programs like Northeastern or UIUC raises questions about placement strength or the districts where graduates typically secure positions.

For a family considering this program, the financial picture is workable—monthly loan payments would consume a manageable portion of a teacher's salary—but the inability to see actual outcomes for this specific program means you're investing based on how comparable Illinois programs perform rather than this school's track record. If your child has admission to programs with documented outcomes in the $48,000+ range, those offer more certainty about the return on investment.