Special Education and Teaching at Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,220/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (9.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #162 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 $428K $435K $428K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 10.1x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.6x 9.7x 9.6x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,164
Out-of-state: $44,604 (9.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,508
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,063
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,430
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $35,220/yr fall 20% below the $44,105 national median for Special Education and Teaching. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 10.1x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,063 debt-to-$35,220 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #162 out of 170 programs, Youngstown 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: $35,220 to $40,430 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University has a 80% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 7,340 in Youngstown, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Youngstown 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 Youngstown State University

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

How does Youngstown State University's Special Education and Teaching program score?
This program scores 28/100 — 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 Youngstown State University?
Lower starting pay at Youngstown 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 →