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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

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

Program Analysis

At $29,443 per year, Special Education and Teaching graduates from Defiance College earn below the $44,105 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Special Education and Teaching career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $29,443/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #170 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places Defiance College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

Compare this program → View all 170 schools offering Special Education and Teaching →

Special Education and Teaching at Other Schools

Pace University ($62,346) Utah State University ($61,474) University of Hawaii at Manoa ($60,396) Florida Atlantic University ($56,009) Syracuse University ($55,881) Miami Dade College ($53,935) Towson University ($53,331) Nevada State University ($53,159)

Other Majors at Defiance College

Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($30,147) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($25,798)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Special Education and Teaching trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 →