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Special Education and Teaching at Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,450/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 11.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #157 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs

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	$441K	$446K	$437K
Earnings Multiple	11.6x	11.7x	11.5x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	31	41

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$37,984

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,128

-53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,876

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$35,985

Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $37,450/yr fall 15% below the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% 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 $23,876 against $37,450/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #157 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places Southeast Missouri State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,588 students in Cape Girardeau, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri 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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Southeast Missouri State University?

At 31/100, 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 Southeast Missouri 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.

Is Southeast Missouri State University a good choice for Special Education and Teaching despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Southeast Missouri State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →