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Special Education and Teaching at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
42
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,963/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 22.6x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #99 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 $762K $736K $666K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.4x 22.6x 20.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.5x 7.3x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 42 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,588
Out-of-state: $101,084 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$26,988
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,996
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,983
106% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

New Mexico State University-Main Campus's Special Education and Teaching graduates start at $31,963/yr, trailing the $44,105 national average by 28%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 22.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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 $16,996 against $31,963/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #99 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places New Mexico State University-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,963-to-$65,983 earnings arc over five years reflects a 106% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About New Mexico State University-Main Campus

A 76% acceptance rate means New Mexico State University-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, serving 11,561 students in Las Cruces, NM. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at New Mexico State University-Main Campus →

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

Compare this program → View all 170 schools offering Special Education and Teaching →

Special Education and Teaching at Other Schools

Pace University ($62,346) Utah State University ($61,474) University of Hawaii at Manoa ($60,396) Florida Atlantic University ($56,009) Syracuse University ($55,881) Miami Dade College ($53,935) Towson University ($53,331) Nevada State University ($53,159)

Other Majors at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,790) Chemical Engineering ($75,766) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,229) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($68,002) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($63,674) Mechanical Engineering ($62,813) Engineering Technology, General ($60,250) Civil Engineering ($60,212)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Special Education and Teaching trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
At 42/100, 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 New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
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.
Is New Mexico State University-Main Campus a good choice for Special Education and Teaching despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If New Mexico State University-Main Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →