Special Education and Teaching at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,628/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs Top 25%

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 $586K $577K $541K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.9x 10.7x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.8x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,704
Out-of-state: $84,304 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,672
9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,479
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,792
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,628/yr, edging above the $44,105 national average for Special Education and Teaching — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $25,479 against $48,628/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Kean University ranks #28 among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 21% earnings increase from $48,628 to $58,792 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kean University

Kean University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 10,842 students in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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 Kean University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Kean University?
At 53/100, Kean University's Special Education and Teaching program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Special Education and Teaching at Kean 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.
Is Kean University one of the best schools for Special Education and Teaching?
Among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, Kean University's #28 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →