Compare 20 Montessori Teacher Education. programs in Tennessee. Average earnings: $39,186.
Montessori Teacher Education programs produce graduates earning between $34,888 and $43,558—a $9K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 20 ranked programs in Tennessee, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Lipscomb University's Montessori Teacher Education program leads with graduates earning $43,558, followed closely by Southern Adventist University at $43,283. Even Vanderbilt, despite its selective 6% admission rate, ranks third at $43,128. The state average of $39,186 shows that program-level factors drive these outcomes more than school brand.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Vanderbilt graduates borrow $14,000 and face just a 9.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Lipscomb students face a higher 12.7% burden despite earning more, proving that the best choice depends on your debt tolerance and financial priorities.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | $43,558 | 25 | $19,500 | Manageable | $30,298 | High |
| #2 | $43,283 | 18 | $24,500 | Manageable | $22,600 | High | |
| #3 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $43,128 | 24 | $14,000 | Good | $30,844 | High |
| #4 | King UniversityPrivate | $42,839 | 24 | $22,750 | Manageable | $13,363 | High |
| #5 | Freed-Hardeman UniversityPrivate | $41,017 | 36 | $21,500 | Manageable | $19,230 | High |
| #6 | $39,987 | 110 | $20,000 | Manageable | $14,229 | High | |
| #7 | Lee UniversityPrivate | $39,712 | 43 | $25,750 | Challenging | $24,000 | High |
| #8 | $39,698 | 17 | $20,000 | Manageable | $22,585 | High | |
| #9 | $39,648 | 57 | $20,547 | Manageable | $14,710 | High | |
| #10 | $39,355 | 129 | $19,500 | Manageable | $17,353 | High | |
| #11 | $38,970 | 53 | $27,000 | Challenging | $18,771 | High | |
| #12 | $38,612 | 72 | $21,024 | Manageable | $13,218 | High | |
| #13 | Union UniversityPrivate | $38,588 | 10 | $20,714 | Manageable | $20,000 | High |
| #14 | $38,428 | 66 | $19,442 | Manageable | $16,938 | High | |
| #15 | $37,920 | 201 | $15,650 | Manageable | $11,640 | High | |
| #16 | Welch CollegePrivate | $36,668 | 6 | $19,500 | Challenging | $14,706 | High |
| #17 | Lincoln Memorial UniversityPrivate | $36,292 | 13 | $20,000 | Challenging | $14,000 | High |
| #18 | University Of MemphisPublic | $36,076 | 81 | $23,300 | Challenging | $15,393 | High |
| #19 | Carson-Newman UniversityPrivate | $35,060 | 16 | $21,500 | Challenging | $17,541 | High |
| #20 | Milligan UniversityPrivate | $34,888 | 12 | $25,219 | High | $36,972 | 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 →
