Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $35,220/yr fall 20% below the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 10.1x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,063 debt-to-$35,220 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #162 out of 170 programs, Youngstown State University's financial outcomes for Special Education and Teaching trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $35,220 to $40,430 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.