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Teacher Education at Columbia College

Columbia, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,489/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (30% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (412,300 openings/yr)
ROI 5.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #548 of 679 Teacher Education programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Teacher Education graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $435K $439K $429K
Earnings Multiple 5.1x 5.1x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 76% 72% 62%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$85,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,600
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,570
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,415
5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,489 track close to the $41,412 national median for Teacher Education programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 5.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Teacher Education career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,570 against $39,489/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #548 ranking among 679 Teacher Education programs places Columbia College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $39,489 to $41,415 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Columbia College

Columbia College has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,245 in Columbia, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 53% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia College →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Education teachers, postsecondary $72,090/yr
Training and development specialists $65,850/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 679 schools offering Teacher Education →

Teacher Education at Other Schools

University of Illinois Chicago ($60,917) Stockton University ($59,371) Monroe College ($58,194) Pacific Lutheran University ($57,624) Rider University ($57,145) Seton Hall University ($56,300) The College of New Jersey ($56,231) Pierce College District ($55,849)

Other Majors at Columbia College

Homeland Security ($67,338) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($50,519) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($42,514)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Teacher Education trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Teacher Education at Columbia College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Teacher Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Teacher Education at Columbia College?
The 30% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →