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

Teacher education programs in Texas typically start graduates around $51,000—nearly $8,000 above the national median for this field—and that's what comparable programs suggest for University of St. Thomas graduates as well. The estimated $27,000 in debt falls right in line with both state and national norms for education majors, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that's manageable for a teaching career. While some Texas programs like Houston Christian and TCU report higher starting salaries in the mid-to-upper $50,000s, those outcomes often reflect differences in school districts where graduates accept positions rather than dramatic program quality gaps.

The practical reality: Texas teachers benefit from relatively strong starting salaries compared to most states, and the estimated debt load here won't create the payment burden that crushes graduates in other fields. A $27,000 debt on a teacher's income-driven repayment plan should remain affordable even on a first-year salary, though it won't leave much room for aggressive paydown. The 38% Pell Grant population suggests the school serves students who may have limited family financial support, making that debt figure particularly important to consider.

Since these figures are derived from peer institutions rather than St. Thomas's actual graduate outcomes, request the school's specific placement data—particularly which districts their graduates enter and what those districts pay starting teachers. Teacher salaries in Texas vary significantly by location, and knowing where this program's pipeline leads matters more than statewide averages.