College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
General

Special Needs Education

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Special Needs Education.

Entry Level Salary
$46,343
Median Salary
$69,514
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
12.2%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $2,780,560
Entry (Early)
$46,343
Median (Prime)
$69,514
High (Prime)
$70,444

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-38k
+160k
+168k
$25k / yr
-128k
+70k
+78k
$50k / yr
-218k
-20k
-12k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
29
29
$25k / yr
Never
41
40
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-117%
65%
72%
$50k / yr
-100%
-9%
-6%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate58%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Special education teachers

29.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$48,582
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,721|$67,170
openings
37,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.1%

Elementary and middle school teachers

19.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$45,293
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$61,000|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Secondary school teachers

5.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$48,582
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,800|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

Education and childcare administrators

5.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$93,673|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%

Preschool and kindergarten teachers

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$52,136|$43,780
openings
78,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.7%

Teaching assistants

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$21,437
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$27,806|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Postsecondary teachers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$3,200
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,057|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Other teachers and instructors

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,616
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$48,233|$45,730
openings
168,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.4%

Other educational instruction and library occupations

1.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,167
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,057|$38,230
openings
238,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.3%

Management occupations

1.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
basic skills and developmental/remedial education.Undergrad Certificate7$21,977 - $96,196
basic skills and developmental/remedial education.Associate's Degree1Data N/A
basic skills and developmental/remedial education.Master's Degree1$37,690 - $37,690