Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso's education graduates start at $46,750—outearning the national median by nearly $4,000 and landing in the 78th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where starting salaries cluster tightly. Within Indiana, the program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), behind schools like Franklin College but competing effectively with larger state universities. The modest $27,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, considerably better than many education programs nationwide.

The trade-off here is cost versus outcomes. You're paying Valparaiso's private tuition for results that match solid state schools like Indiana University-Indianapolis. For families receiving significant financial aid, this could work well—the combination of above-average starting salary and below-average debt creates financial breathing room in those critical early career years. But if you're financing the full private-school sticker price, you'll want to scrutinize the net cost carefully, since Indiana offers several public alternatives with comparable placement outcomes.

For an education major certain about teaching in Indiana, this program delivers reliable preparation without crushing debt. Just ensure the actual out-of-pocket cost justifies choosing Valparaiso over strong in-state public options.