As an educator, you know the intrinsic rewards of continual learning. And no doubt you know the financial rewards, too.
But here’s one thing we’ve learned as a provider of graduate-level, continuing education: not all teachers realize how much money they leave on the table when they delay accruing credits.
Annual salary gains are cumulative. So, teachers who gain an extra $8K in salary 20 years before retirement bring home an extra $160,000. Those teachers may also receive a higher pension by finishing their careers at an advanced salary level. Compare that to the educator who achieves the goal 10 years later ($80K less).
We know the financial outlay can feel like a lot. But most educators break-even within 12-18 months of a lane change. Every year of teaching afterward is an upside. Let us show you what we mean.
Examples: BA+15, Master's, MA+15, MA+30
Joaquin is a middle school teacher in Elk River, Minnesota. He plans to retire in 2042. Here’s how his financial returns look at varying graduate credit levels when he uses ACE as his university partner*.
BA+15 Scenario
| Year credits earned | Years until retirement | Salary gain with BA+15 | Lifetime income gain | Cost of 15 credits | Net return | Earnings difference if he delays |
| 2022 | 20 | $2,072 | $41,440 | $1,885 | $39,555 | |
| 2026 | 16 | $2,072 | $33,152 | $1,885 | $31,267 | $8,288 less |
Master's Scenario
| Year M.Ed earned | Years until retirement | Salary gain with M.Ed vs BA | Lifetime income gain | Cost of ACE Master's Degree | Net return | Earnings difference if he delays |
| 2023 | 19 | $12,433 | $236,227 | $8,500 | $227,727 | |
| 2029 | 15 | $12,433 | $186,495 | $8,500 | $177,995 | $49,732 less |
| 2033 | 9 | $12,433 | $111,897 | $8,500 | $103,397 | $124,330 less |
MA+15 Scenario
| Year MA+15 earned | Years until retirement | Salary gain with MA+15 vs MA | Lifetime income gain | Cost of 15 credits | Net return | Earnings difference if he delays |
| 2025 | 17 | $2,072 | $35,224 | $1,885 | $33,339 | |
| 2030 | 12 | $2,072 | $24,864 | $1,885 | $22,979 | $10,360 less |
MA+30 Scenario
| Year MA+30 earned | Years until retirement | Salary gain with MA+30 vs MA | Lifetime income gain | Cost of 30 credits | Net return | Earnings difference if he delays |
| 2025 | 17 | $4,144 | $70,448 | $3,770 | $66,678 | |
| 2030 | 12 | $4,144 | $49,728 | $3,770 | $45,958 | $20,720 less |
Try out the Learners Edge Education Return on Investment Calculator to see what you could be earning. To complete the form, refer to the section of your district contract that specifies your steps and lanes salary gains.
*These examples are based on scenarios within one school district. Each district will vary. Refer to your teacher contract to determine the salary gains you will earn at each education level.
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- Pre-Registration Bundle Questions
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