Special Education and Teachingat Defiance College
Graduates earn $29,443/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Special Education and Teaching average. Base-case 10-year earnings $379K; scenarios range from $384K to $367K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Defiance College
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Defiance College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Special Education and Teaching
How Defiance College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Defiance College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Defiance College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Special Education and Teaching offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Special Education and Teaching trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Special Education and Teaching at Defiance College
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.