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Special Education and Teaching at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,578/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 11.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #32 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs Top 25%

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	$574K	$566K	$532K
Earnings Multiple	11.3x	11.1x	10.5x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	53	52	54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$50,800

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,636

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,029

5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,132

23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,578 at Northern Illinois University come in 6% above the national median of $44,105 for Special Education and Teaching programs.

With a 11.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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.

With first-year pay of $46,578 far exceeding the $21,029 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Northern Illinois University ranks #32 among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 23% earnings increase from $46,578 to $57,132 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 11,277 students in Dekalb, IL. 46% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois 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 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Northern Illinois University?

At 52/100, Northern Illinois University's Special Education and Teaching program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Special Education and Teaching at Northern Illinois 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.

Is Northern Illinois University one of the best schools for Special Education and Teaching?

Among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, Northern Illinois University's #32 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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