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Special Education and Teaching at Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,197/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #158 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	$414K	$422K	$418K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.9x	10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.3x	5.4x	5.4x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	30	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,832

Out-of-state: $77,808 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$36,484

6% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,687

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,132

8% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $36,197/yr fall 18% below the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 10.9x 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 -1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,687 debt-to-$36,197 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #158 out of 170 programs, Murray State University's financial outcomes for Special Education and Teaching trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $36,197 to $39,132 over five years (8% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Murray State University

Murray State University has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,646 students in Murray, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Murray 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 Murray State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Murray State University's Special Education and Teaching program score?

This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Special Education and Teaching. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Special Education and Teaching to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Special Education and Teaching careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Special Education and Teaching earnings lower at Murray State University?

Lower starting pay at Murray State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →