Special Education and Teaching at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,494/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #66 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs Top 50%

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 $553K $547K $517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.4x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.6x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,384
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,288
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Grand Valley State University's Special Education and Teaching graduates start at $49,494/yr — above the $44,105 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% 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 $28,288 against $49,494/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #66 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places Grand Valley State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Grand Valley State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Grand Valley State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley State University →

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

Other Majors at Grand Valley State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Grand Valley State University?
At 47/100, 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 Grand Valley State University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →