Subject-Area Teaching at Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,872/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #268 of 348 Teacher Education programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Subject-Area Teaching graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $468K $470K $455K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$184,848
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,924
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,965
2% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,872 per year, Subject-Area Teaching graduates from Simpson College earn slightly above the $41,690 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 43% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$44,872 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #268 out of 348 programs, Simpson College's financial outcomes for Subject-Area Teaching trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $44,872 to $45,965 over five years (2% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Simpson College

With 89% of applicants admitted, Simpson College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,130 in Indianola, IA. The average net cost of $88,924 over four years represents a 52% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Simpson College →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary $101,390/yr
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
View all 30 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Subject-Area Teaching at Other Schools

Other Majors at Simpson College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Simpson College's Subject-Area Teaching program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Subject-Area Teaching. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Subject-Area Teaching to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Subject-Area Teaching careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 43% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Subject-Area Teaching at Simpson College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $184,848, but the average net cost is $88,924 — a 52% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →