Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $38,250 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.
The 12.8x 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 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $21,742 debt-to-$38,250 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #128 out of 170 programs, Missouri State University-Springfield's financial outcomes for Special Education and Teaching trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $38,250 to $44,035 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.