Special Education and Teaching at Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,258/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 6.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #115 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 $473K $475K $460K
Earnings Multiple 6.8x 6.8x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$69,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$40,811
11.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,426
7% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Grand Canyon University's Special Education and Teaching program produces graduates earning $43,258/yr — within striking distance of the $44,105 national average for this field.

A 6.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% 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 $40,811 against $43,258/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #115 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places Grand Canyon University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $43,258 to $46,426 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University's 60% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 68,619 students in Phoenix, AZ. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 →