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Special Education and Teaching at University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,023/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #159 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	$488K	$488K	$470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.9x	9.0x	8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.0x	3.0x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	29	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,504

Out-of-state: $164,380 (3.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,840

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,092

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,023 place University of Arizona below the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 9.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,500 debt-to-$35,023 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #159 out of 170 programs, University of Arizona's financial outcomes for Special Education and Teaching trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,023 to $46,092 shows 32% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Arizona

University of Arizona accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 40,769 in Tucson, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →

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 University of Arizona

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Arizona's Special Education and Teaching program score?

This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Special Education and Teaching. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Special Education and Teaching to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Special Education and Teaching careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Special Education and Teaching earnings lower at University of Arizona?

Lower starting pay at University of Arizona may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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