Special Education and Teaching at Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,404/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #120 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 $506K $505K $483K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$138,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,644
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,207
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,404 track close to the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 4% 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 $19,207 in median debt against $44,404 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #120 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places Carson-Newman University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Carson-Newman University

With a 68% acceptance rate, Carson-Newman University is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 1,374 students in Jefferson City, TN. The average net cost of $74,644 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Carson-Newman University?
At 39/100, 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 Carson-Newman 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →