Education programs across the Midwest span 208 institutions, with graduates earning between $35,833 and $83,648 ten years after enrollment. This $48,000 earnings range demonstrates how program selection and institutional quality directly impact teaching careers and long-term career earnings in the education sector.
Leading the list is University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities, achieving the highest program earnings at $55,779. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale follows closely at $55,418, with University Of Illinois Chicago rounding out the top three at $54,523. These public universities demonstrate how strong teacher preparation programs translate into superior median earnings compared to the national average for education degree holders.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #141 | New Albany, IN | $46,265 Median Education Earnings | $3,782 | 84.5% | 39.2% | |
| #142 | Stevens Point, WI | $46,235 Median Education Earnings | $8,833 | 91.8% | 50.8% | |
| #143 | Charleston, IL | $46,198 Median Education Earnings | $9,828 | 65.3% | 47.4% | |
| #144 | Wayne State CollegePublic | Wayne, NE | $46,182 Median Education Earnings | $12,844 | — | 52.1% |
| #145 | Carthage CollegePrivate | Kenosha, WI | $46,132 Median Education Earnings | $23,293 | 87.1% | 64.3% |
| #146 | Buena Vista UniversityPrivate | Storm Lake, IA | $46,100 Median Education Earnings | $12,901 | 77.6% | 61.7% |
| #147 | Minot State UniversityPublic | Minot, ND | $46,097 Median Education Earnings | $9,492 | 64.6% | 45.1% |
| #148 | Mayville, ND | $46,087 Median Education Earnings | $5,971 | — | 40.6% | |
| #149 | University Of Saint MaryPrivate | Leavenworth, KS | $46,079 Median Education Earnings | $21,899 | 86.6% | 47.8% |
| #150 | Spring Arbor UniversityPrivate | Spring Arbor, MI | $46,004 Median Education Earnings | $14,530 | 51.5% | 63.5% |
| #151 | Newman UniversityPrivate | Wichita, KS | $45,869 Median Education Earnings | $18,060 | 74.0% | 52.8% |
| #152 | Judson UniversityPrivate | Elgin, IL | $45,830 Median Education Earnings | $15,701 | 47.6% | 59.9% |
| #153 | John Carroll UniversityPrivate | University Heights, OH | $45,791 Median Education Earnings | $19,945 | 80.9% | 78.5% |
| #154 | Aquinas CollegePrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $45,713 Median Education Earnings | $10,725 | 89.9% | 65.4% |
| #155 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | Wheaton, IL | $45,670 Median Education Earnings | $20,001 | 87.4% | 84.8% |
| #156 | Fort Wayne, IN | $45,617 Median Education Earnings | $8,306 | 83.9% | 36.3% | |
| #157 | Park UniversityPrivate | Parkville, MO | $45,525 Median Education Earnings | $18,687 | — | 38.4% |
| #158 | Winona Lake, IN | $45,479 Median Education Earnings | $10,998 | 82.2% | 68.8% | |
| #159 | Bowling Green, OH | $45,457 Median Education Earnings | $18,396 | 81.0% | 63.7% | |
| #160 | Calvin UniversityPrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $45,425 Median Education Earnings | $19,281 | 70.9% | 74.1% |
