Curriculum & Instruction graduates earn $50,452 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,839 and $59,081. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Curriculum & Instruction is a focused area of study within Education. Graduates typically earn around $50,452 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 495 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 20,472 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$35,099
Median Earnings · 4yr
$50,452
Colleges Offering
495
Graduates / Year
20,472
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,973
How Much Do Curriculum & Instruction Graduates Earn?
Curriculum & Instruction graduates earn $50,452 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,839 and $59,081. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $35,099 climbs to $50,452 by year four.
$35,099
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$50,452
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$46,712
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Curriculum & Instruction graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$40,83925th pct.
$50,452Median
$59,08175th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $50,452 and an estimated $63,892 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.1 years.
Based on outcomes from 23 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 20,472 students who complete Curriculum & Instruction programs each year, the majority (85%) earn a master's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
85%
Master's85%
Doctorate9%
Post-Master's Cert.4%
What Can You Do With a Curriculum & Instruction Degree?
Curriculum & Instruction connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Instructional Coordinator leads at $77,440/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
Observe work of teaching staff to evaluate performance and to recommend changes that could strengthen teaching skills.
Plan and conduct teacher training programs and conferences dealing with new classroom procedures, instructional materials and equipment, and teaching aids.
Interpret and enforce provisions of state education codes and rules and regulations of state education boards.
Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Top Colleges for Curriculum & Instruction
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Curriculum & Instruction students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Curriculum & Instruction program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Curriculum & Instruction shows 3 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $35,099 at graduation to $50,452 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 27,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 495 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $50,452 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Slow job growthTop related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
How much do Curriculum & Instruction graduates earn?
Curriculum & Instruction graduates earn a national median of $50,452 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,839 and $59,081. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Curriculum & Instruction degree?
One year after graduation, Curriculum & Instruction degree holders earn a median of $35,099. That climbs to $50,452 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Curriculum & Instruction degree?
Curriculum & Instruction degree holders pursue careers including Instructional Coordinator, which pays a median of $77,440/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Curriculum & Instruction program take?
While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Curriculum & Instruction students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.
How many colleges offer Curriculum & Instruction?
495 colleges and universities in the United States offer Curriculum & Instruction programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Curriculum & Instruction degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $50,452 and an average net price of roughly $15,973/yr, a Curriculum & Instruction degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Curriculum & Instruction and Education?
Curriculum & Instruction is a focused concentration within the broader Education field. The Education major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Curriculum & Instruction-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Curriculum & Instruction graduates?
Employers hiring Curriculum & Instruction graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
What is the job outlook for Curriculum & Instruction graduates?
The job outlook for Curriculum & Instruction graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +1.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Education Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +2.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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