Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at Avila University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,450

Est. from MO median (7 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$30,051

Est. from MO median (4 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable special education programs in Missouri, Avila graduates can expect starting earnings around $37,450—roughly in line with what Missouri State-Springfield and University of Missouri-Columbia report for their education graduates. The challenge? That $30,000 in estimated debt creates a financial burden that exceeds what most other Missouri programs typically saddle their education majors with. While the 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic for a teaching career, it's noticeably higher than the state median of $26,250 for special education programs.

Special education teaching offers stable, recession-proof work with strong job security, but the salary ceiling is real. The estimated first-year earnings here trail the national median for this credential by nearly $7,000, reflecting Missouri's lower teacher compensation overall. Nearly half of Avila's students receive Pell grants, meaning many families are already stretching financially—taking on debt that exceeds what peer programs typically require deserves careful consideration.

If your child is committed to special education and values Avila's smaller campus environment, the program appears competitive with state peers on earnings. But that estimated debt load matters when teacher salaries grow slowly. Compare the actual aid package Avila offers against what you'd receive at Missouri State or Southeast Missouri State, where similar outcomes appear achievable with potentially less borrowing.

Where Avila University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Avila UniversityKansas City	$38,672	$37,450*	—	$30,051*	—
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield	$9,024	$38,250*	$35,842	$22,500*	0.59
Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville	$10,181	$38,040*	$39,625	$26,250*	0.69
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia	$14,130	$37,547*	$39,236	$20,357*	0.54
Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau	$9,496	$37,450*	$35,277	$25,000*	0.67
Fontbonne UniversitySaint Louis	$28,976	$36,791*	—	$45,511*	1.24
National Median	—	$44,139*	—	$26,717*	0.61

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, All Other

All special education teachers not listed separately.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Avila University, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.