College research / Rankings

Best Education Colleges for Social Mobility in the Midwest

Updated

This page lists 81 Education schools in the Midwest. Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks 1st on this list, reporting $83,648 in median earnings of all its students ten years after entry. The range spans from $83,648 to $41,592, a spread of $42,056, and the median across the listed schools is $55,874.

The list includes 67 public and 14 private nonprofit institutions, with public schools comprising 83%. College of the Ozarks posts the lowest average net price at $6,100.

The ranked list

81 schools in list order
RankSchoolMedian earnings, 10 years after entryAverage net priceNet price, families under $30KPell shareMobility percentile
1University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, MI$83,648$13,138$1,04318.1%97th
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor reports median earnings of $83,648 for all students ten years after entry, and an average net price of $1,043 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (70 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (14 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($54,558)

2University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Champaign, IL$81,054$14,355$2,03823.4%98th
Sitting at the 98th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports a 23% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and median earnings of $81,054 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (131 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (57 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (19 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($60,685), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($55,105), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,409)

3Marquette University · Milwaukee, WI$78,257$31,487$22,26918.4%78th
A private nonprofit university in Milwaukee, Marquette University has an average net price of $31,487 and a Pell share of 18%.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (52 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (24 graduates), Education, General (14 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($56,955)

4University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI$73,792$17,354$4,20015.9%96th
University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks 4th on this list, with median earnings of $73,792 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (76 graduates), Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education (47 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (23 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($50,302), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($49,640), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,435)

5Purdue University-Main Campus · West Lafayette, IN$72,424$14,600$5,09813.0%95th
Purdue University-Main Campus reports a 13% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $5,098 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (99 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (63 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (21 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($54,559), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,502)

6Loyola University Chicago · Chicago, IL$71,530$36,079$28,99223.8%77th
Loyola University Chicago reports median earnings of $71,530 for all students ten years after entry, and an average net price of $36,079.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (53 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (5 graduates)

7DePauw University · Greencastle, IN$70,527$22,264$11,82016.4%60th
At the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, DePauw University shows a 16% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, General (13 graduates)

8University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis, MN$69,020$16,778$6,64217.6%96th
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports median earnings of $69,020 for all students ten years after entry, alongside an average net price of $6,642 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, Other (203 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (80 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (25 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Education, Other ($67,795), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($53,276)

9DePaul University · Chicago, IL$68,751$30,902$27,35931.8%86th
DePaul University has a 32% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and sits at the 86th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (68 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (36 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (5 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($57,957), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($54,208)

10University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago, IL$68,740$10,974$7,52948.9%98th
University of Illinois Chicago reports median earnings of $68,740 for all students ten years after entry, and an average net price of $10,974.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (76 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (49 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($64,100), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($63,233)

11Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI$67,253$19,680$7,06820.1%98th
Michigan State University sits at the 98th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, General (131 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (32 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (22 graduates)

12St Olaf College · Northfield, MN$65,543$23,874$10,40421.2%61st
St Olaf College reports an average net price of $10,404 for families earning under $30,000, and a 21% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (22 graduates), Education, General (7 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($51,909)

13University of Iowa · Iowa City, IA$64,762$22,531$15,31618.4%91st
University of Iowa ranks 13th on this list and reports median earnings of $64,762 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (113 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (81 graduates)

14Macalester College · Saint Paul, MN$63,878$32,149$13,77217.2%61st
A private nonprofit institution in Saint Paul, Macalester College posts an average net price of $32,149 alongside a 61st percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, General (12 graduates)

15Indiana University-Bloomington · Bloomington, IN$63,742$16,264$6,32416.8%94th
With a 94th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, Indiana University-Bloomington shows a 17% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and median earnings of $63,742 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (167 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (124 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (27 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($58,390), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($52,269), Special Education and Teaching ($52,008)

16University of North Dakota · Grand Forks, ND$63,552$18,551$13,12617.2%76th
University of North Dakota reports an average net price of $13,126 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 16th on this page.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (71 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (18 graduates)

17University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, MO$63,403$20,268$13,84120.1%92nd
Median earnings of $63,403 ten years after entry coincide with a 92nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions at University of Missouri-Columbia.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (180 graduates), Education, General (23 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (21 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($51,901), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,681)

18Iowa State University · Ames, IA$63,386$18,589$10,58218.8%92nd
Iowa State University posts an average net price of $18,589 and a 19% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (186 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (71 graduates), Education, General (39 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,622), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,462)

19College of Saint Benedict · Saint Joseph, MN$63,260$26,640$12,98119.9%79th
College of Saint Benedict, a private nonprofit college in Saint Joseph, reports median earnings of $63,260 for all students ten years after entry and ranks 19th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (31 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($51,487)

20University of Minnesota-Duluth · Duluth, MN$62,616$18,743$7,25618.8%79th
University of Minnesota-Duluth shows an average net price of $7,256 for families earning under $30,000 and a 79th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, Other (86 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (47 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (13 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,669), Education, Other ($46,964)

21North Dakota State University-Main Campus · Fargo, ND$62,203$15,543$9,37019.7%81st
North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports median earnings of $62,203 for all students ten years after entry and a 20% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (70 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,339)

22Illinois State University · Normal, IL$62,117$19,398$11,56832.1%94th
Illinois State University ranks 22nd on this page with a 94th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and an average net price of $19,398.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (471 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (147 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (141 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($54,452), Special Education and Teaching ($52,864), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($49,240)

23University of Kansas · Lawrence, KS$61,945$18,059$12,54420.5%90th
University of Kansas posts median earnings of $61,945 for all students ten years after entry and an average net price of $12,544 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (123 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (36 graduates)

24University of Wisconsin-Platteville · Platteville, WI$61,760$16,032$9,00921.1%74th
A 21% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and a 24th rank on this list characterise University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (60 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (18 graduates)

25Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus, OH$60,409$17,339$4,88520.2%96th
Ohio State University-Main Campus reports median earnings of $60,409 for its students ten years after entry, and sits at the 96th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (212 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (89 graduates), Educational Administration and Supervision (67 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,459), Special Education and Teaching ($50,194), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,969)

26University of Wisconsin-La Crosse · La Crosse, WI$60,378$16,210$8,22414.4%85th
A public university in La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse posts an average net price of $16,210 and ranks 26th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (118 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (23 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($53,218), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,328)

27University of Michigan-Dearborn · Dearborn, MI$59,649$9,492$7,21146.2%90th
With a Pell share of 46%, University of Michigan-Dearborn ranks 27th on this page and shows median earnings of $59,649 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (31 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (15 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (6 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($49,236)

28University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City, MO$59,637$13,310$10,57626.4%76th
University of Missouri-Kansas City lands at the 76th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its students earn a median of $59,637 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (45 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (9 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,228)

29Saint Mary's College · Notre Dame, IN$59,354$25,292$16,76023.9%80th
A private nonprofit institution in Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College has an average net price of $16,760 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 29th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (25 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (6 graduates)

30Oakland University · Rochester Hills, MI$58,612$9,120$4,42232.0%88th
Oakland University reports median earnings of $58,612 ten years after entry, and its Pell share stands at 32%.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (130 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (11 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,396)

31University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire · Eau Claire, WI$58,561$16,550$10,27019.6%82nd
Ranking 31st on this page, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire posts an average net price of $16,550 and a percentile of 82nd on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (80 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (77 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (32 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($47,877), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,473)

32Winona State University · Winona, MN$58,532$17,503$10,22424.2%73rd
Winona State University shows median earnings of $58,532 ten years after entry, and its students carry an average net price of $10,224 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (143 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (66 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (27 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($49,824), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,767), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,863)

33Governors State University · University Park, IL$58,169$12,329$9,56353.6%78th
With a Pell share of 54%, Governors State University ranks 33rd on this list and reports median earnings of $58,169 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (29 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,895)

34University of Wisconsin-Stout · Menomonie, WI$58,084$17,490$10,96623.9%72nd
University of Wisconsin-Stout sits at the 72nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its students earn a median of $58,084 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (76 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (30 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (28 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($56,563), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,256)

35Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL$57,808$13,391$10,12647.3%92nd
A public university in Dekalb, Northern Illinois University posts an average net price of $13,391 and ranks 35th on this page.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (127 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (40 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (37 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($53,672), Special Education and Teaching ($53,148), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($50,385)

36Kansas State University · Manhattan, KS$57,262$19,406$13,17820.7%81st
Kansas State University reports median earnings of $57,262 ten years after entry, and its Pell share is 21%.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (224 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (45 graduates), Education, General (27 graduates)

37Minnesota State University-Mankato · Mankato, MN$56,922$19,139$12,33921.0%73rd
Minnesota State University-Mankato ranks 37th on this list and posts median earnings of $56,922 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (84 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (70 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (32 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($51,630), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($50,337), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,632)

38University of Nebraska-Lincoln · Lincoln, NE$56,887$17,747$12,75122.8%88th
An average net price of $12,751 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with an 88th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (139 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (116 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (29 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($51,293), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,046), Special Education and Teaching ($47,592)

39Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL$56,346$14,889$8,48332.7%88th
With a Pell share of 33%, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville reports median earnings of $56,346 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (86 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (21 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($43,928), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,916)

40Grand Valley State University · Allendale, MI$56,118$16,317$12,27229.2%92nd
Grand Valley State University sits at the 92nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $16,317.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, General (276 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (100 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (43 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($49,612), Education, General ($49,225)

41Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant, MI$55,874$17,597$12,18531.4%79th
Ranking 41st on this page, Central Michigan University shows median earnings of $55,874 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (215 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (53 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (44 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($50,095), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($49,677), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($49,588)

42University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh · Oshkosh, WI$55,548$14,305$9,23616.1%73rd
An average net price of $9,236 for families earning under $30,000 at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh sits alongside a Pell share of 16%.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (111 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (53 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (38 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($47,828), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,902)

43University of Wisconsin-Whitewater · Whitewater, WI$55,356$14,158$8,44025.2%88th
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater reaches the 88th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $55,356 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (195 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (78 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (36 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($51,908), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($50,827), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,637)

44Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN$55,198$11,668$5,70137.3%89th
A Pell share of 37% and an average net price of $11,668 characterise Indiana University-Indianapolis, which ranks 44th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (167 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (39 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,841), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($49,540)

45University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls, IA$55,177$15,901$10,86327.4%84th
University of Northern Iowa posts median earnings of $55,177 for all students ten years after entry and sits at the 84th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (372 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (125 graduates), Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (18 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($50,144), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,885)

46University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI$54,990$15,014$10,32932.8%90th
An average net price of $10,329 for families earning under $30,000 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee coincides with a Pell share of 33%.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, General (162 graduates), Educational Administration and Supervision (44 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (22 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Education, General ($49,228), Educational Administration and Supervision ($46,822), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,776)

47University of Cincinnati-Main Campus · Cincinnati, OH$54,810$25,648$17,97418.8%88th
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ranks 47th on this page and reports median earnings of $54,810 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (211 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (26 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (11 graduates)

48Ferris State University · Big Rapids, MI$54,735$8,624$2,55634.2%84th
With an average net price of $8,624, Ferris State University reaches the 84th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (57 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (30 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($51,484), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,053)

49University of Wisconsin-River Falls · River Falls, WI$54,458$14,054$8,47220.8%72nd
University of Wisconsin-River Falls reports median earnings of $54,458 for all students ten years after entry and sits at the 72nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (88 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (75 graduates), Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (16 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($54,043), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,004)

50Western Illinois University · Macomb, IL$54,163$12,937$6,94128.1%70th
With an average net price of $6,941 for families earning under $30,000, Western Illinois University ranks 50th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (45 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (12 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (6 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($51,255), Special Education and Teaching ($45,395), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,279)

51Hanover College · Hanover, IN$53,957$21,829$16,83225.8%74th
A private nonprofit college in Hanover, Hanover College posts median earnings of $53,957 ten years after entry and an average net price of $21,829.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (17 graduates)

52University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha, NE$53,909$13,441$10,53434.6%85th
University of Nebraska at Omaha reaches the 85th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, and 35% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (160 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (28 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (12 graduates)

53Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo, MI$53,562$15,273$5,26326.8%81st
Western Michigan University reports an average net price of $5,263 for families earning under $30,000 alongside median earnings of $53,562 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (111 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (70 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (15 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($50,665), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($49,340), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,898)

54Wayne State University · Detroit, MI$53,493$12,766$11,09045.7%95th
Ranking 54th on this list, Wayne State University shows a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 46% and median earnings of $53,493 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (107 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (86 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (16 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($58,743), Special Education and Teaching ($58,182), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,506)

55Southern Illinois University-Carbondale · Carbondale, IL$53,390$13,297$9,41538.8%88th
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale sits at the 88th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $13,297.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (120 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (61 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (36 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($67,961), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,127)

56Beloit College · Beloit, WI$53,260$21,526$15,17629.6%81st
A private nonprofit college in Beloit, Beloit College posts median earnings of $53,260 ten years after entry and an average net price of $15,176 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, General (11 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Education, General ($56,414)

57University of Michigan-Flint · Flint, MI$53,230$7,007$1,51738.6%70th
University of Michigan-Flint reports an average net price of $1,517 for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $53,230 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (20 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (15 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($47,731), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,861)

58University of Missouri-St Louis · Saint Louis, MO$53,037$15,071$13,03118.4%70th
With a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 18%, University of Missouri-St Louis ranks 58th on this list and reports median earnings of $53,037 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (131 graduates), Education, General (27 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (5 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($38,980), Education, General ($38,074)

59Ohio University-Main Campus · Athens, OH$52,581$21,637$15,67321.2%74th
Ohio University-Main Campus reaches the 74th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $21,637.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (283 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (30 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (22 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($51,258), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,893)

60University of Wisconsin-Green Bay · Green Bay, WI$52,528$13,369$9,14421.8%72nd
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay posts median earnings of $52,528 ten years after entry, and a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 22%.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Education, General (87 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Education, General ($44,331)

61Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL$52,234$14,109$13,70955.7%80th
Northeastern Illinois University ranks 61st on this list and reports median earnings of $52,234 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (109 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (27 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (12 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($52,176)

62Cleveland State University · Cleveland, OH$52,131$14,764$11,95840.5%90th
An average net price of $11,958 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a 40% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants at Cleveland State University.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (66 graduates), Educational Administration and Supervision (27 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (16 graduates)

63University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point · Stevens Point, WI$52,021$14,559$8,83328.7%85th
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point sits at the 85th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and posts an average net price of $14,559.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (108 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (85 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (39 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($47,537), Special Education and Teaching ($46,315), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,181)

64Eastern Illinois University · Charleston, IL$51,989$12,786$9,82829.4%70th
With median earnings of $51,989 ten years after entry, Eastern Illinois University ranks 64th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (84 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (26 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (26 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($54,548), Special Education and Teaching ($47,566), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,190)

65Ball State University · Muncie, IN$51,833$14,940$7,83434.7%88th
Ball State University reports an average net price of $7,834 for families earning under $30,000 alongside a 35% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (169 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (134 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (50 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($51,267), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($50,260), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,344)

66Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti, MI$51,793$15,407$13,25036.6%79th
A public university in Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University ranks 66th on this list and shows median earnings of $51,793 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (153 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (68 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (40 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($54,303), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($50,007), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,994)

67Wichita State University · Wichita, KS$51,532$13,194$9,73430.6%73rd
Wichita State University posts an average net price of $13,194 and sits at the 73rd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (287 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (83 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($51,728)

68University of Toledo · Toledo, OH$50,632$17,249$13,52427.5%79th
Median earnings of $50,632 ten years after entry place University of Toledo at 68th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (96 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (12 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($53,958), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,533)

69University of Nebraska at Kearney · Kearney, NE$50,105$16,242$13,06636.9%70th
University of Nebraska at Kearney reports a 37% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $13,066 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (97 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (22 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (10 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,687), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,922)

70Missouri State University-Springfield · Springfield, MO$49,827$17,613$13,71822.0%76th
Ranking 70th on this list, Missouri State University-Springfield shows median earnings of $49,827 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (376 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (22 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (21 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,417), Special Education and Teaching ($40,846), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($38,413)

71University of Central Missouri · Warrensburg, MO$49,560$14,462$10,96526.8%60th
University of Central Missouri sits at the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and posts an average net price of $14,462.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (190 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (35 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (21 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($40,486), Special Education and Teaching ($39,569), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($38,807)

72Wright State University-Main Campus · Dayton, OH$49,500$15,415$11,95234.5%76th
An average net price of $11,952 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $49,500 ten years after entry at Wright State University-Main Campus.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (65 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (42 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (7 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,724), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($42,970)

73Indiana State University · Terre Haute, IN$48,387$10,873$6,45541.6%78th
Indiana State University reports median earnings of $48,387 for all students ten years after entry, and an average net price of $10,873.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (109 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (45 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (12 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($54,610), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,482)

74Bowling Green State University-Main Campus · Bowling Green, OH$47,896$24,022$18,39623.1%72nd
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, a public university in Bowling Green, sits at the 72nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Special Education and Teaching (204 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (118 graduates), Education, Other (97 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($47,937), Special Education and Teaching ($45,224), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,168)

75VanderCook College of Music · Chicago, IL$47,863$19,780$16,30826.3%61st
A private nonprofit institution in Chicago, VanderCook College of Music has a Pell share of 26% and ranks 75th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (10 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,671)

76Martin Luther College · New Ulm, MN$47,491$18,463$11,23327.1%79th
Martin Luther College posts an average net price of $11,233 for families earning under $30,000, alongside median earnings of $47,491 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (79 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (30 graduates), Education, Other (6 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($56,435)

77Northern Michigan University · Marquette, MI$47,107$14,085$7,69728.0%71st
Ranking 77th on this page, Northern Michigan University shows a Pell share of 28% and median earnings of $47,107 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (42 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (31 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (9 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($46,002), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,008)

78Huntington University · Huntington, IN$46,672$19,310$10,79627.4%70th
Huntington University sits at the 70th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an average net price of $19,310.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Special Education and Teaching (9 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (7 graduates)

79University of Akron Main Campus · Akron, OH$46,600$13,946$10,41329.1%60th
With a Pell share of 29%, University of Akron Main Campus reports median earnings of $46,600 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Special Education and Teaching (97 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (58 graduates), Curriculum and Instruction (18 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,100), Special Education and Teaching ($41,782), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,780)

80Kent State University at Kent · Kent, OH$45,388$20,787$15,28028.5%87th
Kent State University at Kent ranks 80th on this list and posts an average net price of $15,280 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (178 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (126 graduates), Education, General (81 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Education, General ($46,646), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,283), Special Education and Teaching ($43,835)

81College of the Ozarks · Point Lookout, MO$41,592$6,100$6,38149.2%61st
College of the Ozarks reports the lowest average net price on the page at $6,100, alongside a Pell share of 49%.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (27 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (12 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($32,583)

How this list is ordered

Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page. The earnings figure covers all federally aided students at the institution who were working and not enrolled, measured ten years after entry. It does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign by $2,594 in median earnings, and the spread from top to bottom is $42,056.

Job market context in the Midwest

Education graduates in the Midwest enter a labor market linked to occupations such as Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. The median annual wage across those occupations is $68,750, and a quarter of workers in those occupations earn less than $55,092. Projections for 2024 to 2034 show about 111,080 openings a year, or about 404 openings a year for every hundred graduates, with more projected openings than graduates. Projections for 2024 to 2034 put employment in those occupations about 2.2% higher. Wages and top occupations exclude management occupations; openings include them. The ranking above uses graduate earnings data; these market figures describe the broader set of occupations and are not the same measure.