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Special Education and Teaching at University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,009/yr (-0% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #83 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs Top 50%

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	$501K	$500K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.4x	10.4x	10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.8x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	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)

$48,040

Out-of-state: $104,816 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,828

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,362

12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $44,009/yr, roughly in line with the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% 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 $25,000 against $44,009/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #83 ranking among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs places University of Northern Colorado in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $44,009 to $49,362 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 5,693 students in Greeley, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Colorado →

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

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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 University of Northern Colorado?

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 University of Northern Colorado?

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 →