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Special Education and Teaching at University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,664/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #93 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	$508K	$507K	$485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.3x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.6x	8.6x	8.2x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	44	48

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,376

Out-of-state: $59,136 (8.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$53,012

-28% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,852

5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,607

Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $44,664/yr, roughly in line with the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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.

With first-year pay of $44,664 far exceeding the $21,852 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #93 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places University of Memphis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Memphis

University of Memphis accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,645 in Memphis, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →

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 Memphis

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

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at University of Memphis?

At 44/100, 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 University of Memphis?

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.

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