Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $43,955 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 9.7x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $22,062 debt-to-$43,955 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #84 out of 170 programs, Eastern Illinois University's Special Education and Teaching offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $43,955 to $51,770 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.