Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $39,496 track close to the $41,412 national median for Teacher Education programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 9.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 30% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $20,115 debt-to-$39,496 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #346 out of 679 programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's financial outcomes for Teacher Education trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $39,496 to $46,084 over five years (17% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.