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Special Education and Teaching at Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,052/yr (-0% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #88 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	$464K	$467K	$453K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.2x	12.3x	11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.0x	4.0x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	45	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,024

Out-of-state: $116,168 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$50,396

-33% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,000

3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,543

3% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,052 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.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% 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 $14,000 in median debt against $44,052 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #88 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places Middle Tennessee State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $44,052 to $45,543 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Middle Tennessee State University

With a 68% acceptance rate, Middle Tennessee State University is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 16,115 in Murfreesboro, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State 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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Middle Tennessee State University?

At 45/100, 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 Middle Tennessee State 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 →