Special Education and Teaching at Defiance College

Defiance, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,443/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #170 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs

Program Analysis

When evaluating this program, it's crucial to understand the specific economic landscape for educators in Northwest Ohio. As a smaller, private institution, Defiance College's graduates often find themselves competing for roles in local and regional school districts. While the demand for dedicated special education teachers is consistently high, starting salaries in these areas typically reflect regional cost-of-living and district budgets, which can be less competitive than in larger metropolitan markets. Your career path will likely involve direct classroom instruction, a deeply rewarding but often financially modest entry point. Consider how this aligns with your financial goals and potential debt. Before committing, thoroughly explore financial aid options and weigh the total cost against potential earning power, especially if you plan to remain in the region.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Special Education and Teaching graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $367K $379K $384K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$155,112
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,888
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About Defiance College

Defiance College accepts 42% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 454 in Defiance, OH. 48% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. After financial aid, the average student pays $94,888 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Defiance College →

Top Career Paths

Education teachers, postsecondary $72,090/yr
Special education teachers, secondary school $69,590/yr
Special education teachers, all other $67,430/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Special Education and Teaching at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Defiance College?
At 20/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Special Education and Teaching programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Special Education and Teaching at Defiance College?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Defiance College a good choice for Special Education and Teaching despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Defiance College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →