Program Analysis
Graduates earn $41,376/yr, roughly in line with the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 24.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $41,376 far exceeding the $20,485 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #57 out of 170 programs, Western Carolina University's Special Education and Teaching offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $41,376 to $43,364 over five years (5% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.