Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,731 track close to the $41,412 national median for Teacher Education programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 7.8x 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 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $20,500 debt-to-$35,731 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #602 out of 679 programs, University of Missouri-St Louis's financial outcomes for Teacher Education trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $35,731 to $38,671 over five years (8% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.