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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #41 | Central CollegePrivate | Pella, IA | $50,707 Median Education Earnings | $16,231 | 86.2% | 66.2% |
| #42 | Marian UniversityPrivate | Indianapolis, IN | $50,399 Median Education Earnings | $23,195 | 95.5% | 67.2% |
| #43 | University Of IndianapolisPrivate | Indianapolis, IN | $50,361 Median Education Earnings | $15,346 | 66.5% | 55.8% |
| #44 | Indianapolis, IN | $50,165 Median Education Earnings | $5,701 | 76.4% | 54.4% | |
| #45 | Luther CollegePrivate | Decorah, IA | $50,164 Median Education Earnings | $12,517 | 71.5% | 71.1% |
| #46 | Ypsilanti, MI | $50,072 Median Education Earnings | $13,250 | 79.6% | 46.4% | |
| #47 | Mankato, MN | $49,789 Median Education Earnings | $12,339 | 88.4% | 53.9% | |
| #48 | Millikin UniversityPrivate | Decatur, IL | $49,762 Median Education Earnings | $18,659 | 66.7% | 54.9% |
| #49 | River Falls, WI | $49,703 Median Education Earnings | $8,472 | 81.7% | 57.0% | |
| #50 | Valley City, ND | $49,695 Median Education Earnings | $7,879 | 99.1% | 53.3% | |
| #51 | Mount Pleasant, MI | $49,687 Median Education Earnings | $12,185 | 89.8% | 58.7% | |
| #52 | Trinity Christian CollegePrivate | Palos Heights, IL | $49,678 Median Education Earnings | $12,891 | 84.9% | 57.5% |
| #53 | Carroll UniversityPrivate | Waukesha, WI | $49,669 Median Education Earnings | $15,718 | 66.8% | 70.7% |
| #54 | Mount Marty UniversityPrivate | Yankton, SD | $49,652 Median Education Earnings | $19,564 | 42.6% | 52.4% |
| #55 | Lincoln, NE | $49,589 Median Education Earnings | $12,751 | 87.5% | 67.0% | |
| #56 | Madison, WI | $49,585 Median Education Earnings | $4,200 | 45.2% | 89.5% | |
| #57 | Omaha, NE | $49,555 Median Education Earnings | $10,534 | 87.0% | 47.1% | |
| #58 | Coe CollegePrivate | Cedar Rapids, IA | $49,498 Median Education Earnings | $11,479 | 64.0% | 65.9% |
| #59 | University Center, MI | $49,489 Median Education Earnings | $9,844 | 72.1% | 48.3% | |
| #60 | North Central CollegePrivate | Naperville, IL | $49,486 Median Education Earnings | $12,507 | 77.3% | 64.0% |