Special Education and Teaching at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,662/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #55 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 $477K $478K $462K
Earnings Multiple 11.8x 11.8x 11.4x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$40,468
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,940
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,650
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,220
1% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $46,662 per year, Special Education and Teaching graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn slightly above the $44,105 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Special Education and Teaching programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Special Education and Teaching's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $21,650 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #55 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, Saint Cloud State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $47,220 are relatively flat compared to the $46,662 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Saint Cloud State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Saint Cloud State University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,181 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Special Education and Teaching at Saint Cloud State University?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Special Education and Teaching. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Special Education and Teaching careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $462,352 in decade earnings vs $476,670 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →