Compare 40 Montessori Teacher Education. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $42,405.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Montessori Teacher Education tells a different story. Across 40 programs, earnings range from $41,798 to $52,881—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University Of Illinois Chicago's Montessori Teacher Education program leads with graduates earning $52,881, well above the $42,405 average. Roosevelt University follows at $51,349, proving that specialized programs can excel regardless of broader institutional rankings. The $11K spread between top and bottom performers confirms program-level evaluation beats prestige assumptions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Northeastern Illinois University graduates borrow $14,600 and face just a 7.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. UIC tops earnings but requires more borrowing, while Roosevelt's 10.5% burden still rates 'Good'—proof that the best choice depends on your financial priorities.
Highest program earnings: $52,881
Strong outcomes with 79% acceptance
7.2% payment burden | Excellent
14.8% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $52,881 | 57 | $16,704 | Excellent | $24,323 | Challenging | |
| #2 | Roosevelt UniversityPrivate | $51,349 | 23 | $22,000 | Good | $27,213 | High |
| #3 | Concordia University-ChicagoPrivate | $50,576 | 37 | $23,000 | Good | $18,968 | Challenging |
| #4 | $50,486 | 47 | $14,600 | Excellent | $13,578 | Manageable | |
| #5 | North Central CollegePrivate | $48,368 | 45 | $24,500 | Manageable | $30,000 | High |
| #6 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | $48,326 | 41 | $21,500 | Good | $23,044 | High |
| #7 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | $46,883 | 37 | $20,489 | Good | $27,470 | High |
| #8 | Trinity Christian CollegePrivate | $46,547 | 36 | $25,009 | Manageable | $18,426 | High |
| #9 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | $45,479 | 17 | $22,223 | Manageable | $20,742 | High |
| #10 | $45,096 | 105 | $19,500 | Good | $34,511 | High | |
| #11 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | $44,923 | 16 | $27,000 | Manageable | $47,679 | High |
| #12 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | $44,810 | 41 | $23,250 | Manageable | $35,000 | High |
| #13 | $44,458 | 14 | $19,128 | Good | $13,450 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $44,325 | 75 | $21,500 | Manageable | $17,781 | High | |
| #15 | Aurora UniversityPrivate | $44,167 | 48 | $20,318 | Manageable | $19,500 | High |
| #16 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $44,104 | 49 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #17 | $44,069 | 428 | $20,482 | Manageable | $28,767 | High | |
| #18 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $43,491 | 56 | $27,000 | Manageable | $41,405 | High |
| #19 | $43,091 | 99 | $22,162 | Manageable | $19,508 | High | |
| #20 | Augustana CollegePrivate | $41,798 | 18 | $27,000 | Challenging | $37,219 | High |
| #21 | Chicago State UniversityPublic | $41,758 | 20 | $30,625 | Challenging | $13,256 | High |
| #22 | Rockford UniversityPrivate | $41,364 | 17 | $22,274 | Manageable | $22,982 | High |
| #23 | Knox CollegePrivate | $41,160 | 15 | $27,000 | Challenging | $28,730 | High |
| #24 | $41,021 | 64 | $21,543 | Manageable | $19,500 | High | |
| #25 | Benedictine UniversityPrivate | $40,659 | 13 | $22,500 | Manageable | $22,900 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
