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Special Education and Teaching at Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,271/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)

ROI 15.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #26 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	$529K	$525K	$500K
Earnings Multiple	15.9x	15.8x	15.1x
Probability of Field Employment	81%	73%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	55	54	57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$33,200

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$41,768

-26% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,937

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,641

14% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,271 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.

With a 15.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 $17,937 in median debt against $46,271 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Western Governors University ranks #26 among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $46,271 to $52,641 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Western Governors University

with 135,822 students enrolled in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Governors 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 Western Governors 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 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at Western Governors University?

At 54/100, Western Governors 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 Western Governors 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 Western Governors University one of the best schools for Special Education and Teaching?

Among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, Western Governors University's #26 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 →