Special Education and Teaching at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings
$46,578/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI
11.1x earnings multiple
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 | $574K | $566K | $532K |
| Earnings Multiple | 11.3x | 11.1x | 10.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 81% | 73% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 53 | 52 | 54 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,029
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,132
23% growth from Year 1
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 11,277 students in Dekalb, IL. 46% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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
Compare & Explore
Special Education and Teaching at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Illinois 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 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Northern Illinois University?
At 52/100, Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois University one of the best schools for Special Education and Teaching?
Among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, Northern Illinois University's #32 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 →