Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,660
Est. from national median (66 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (43 programs)

Analysis

Based on peer programs nationally, an Education bachelor's degree from William Peace looks positioned near the middle of what education graduates can expect—estimated first-year earnings around $38,660 with roughly $27,000 in debt. What's worth noting is that this puts the program above the North Carolina median for education degrees ($33,806), suggesting it may offer better early career prospects than many in-state alternatives. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory for teachers, whose pay scales typically grow with experience and additional credentials.

However, teaching is a field where starting salaries tell only part of the story. While comparable programs suggest earnings near the national median, North Carolina's teaching salaries have historically lagged behind many states, and the estimated debt load—though not excessive—means your child would likely face 10 years of loan payments on an entry-level teacher's salary. The university's 97% admission rate and relatively modest test scores indicate this isn't a highly selective program, so the value proposition depends heavily on state certification pass rates and local school district connections, data that aren't captured here.

For families considering this path: the estimated numbers suggest a workable but not comfortable financial start. If your child is certain about teaching in North Carolina and William Peace offers strong student-teaching placements or district partnerships, the investment could make sense. But recognize you're making this decision with imperfect information—the actual outcomes for Peace graduates may differ from these peer-based projections.

Where William Peace University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
William Peace UniversityRaleigh$33,150$38,660*—$27,000*—
Salem CollegeWinston-Salem$32,236$36,646*$41,366$26,407*0.72
Belmont Abbey CollegeBelmont$19,500$30,966*$27,947$27,000*0.87
National Median—$38,660*—$26,522*0.69
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with education graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At William Peace University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.