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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$50,061

90th percentile

60th percentile in Massachusetts

Median Debt

$27,000

1% above national median

Analysis

Bridgewater State's special education program graduates earn significantly more than most of their peers nationally—landing in the 90th percentile—though within Massachusetts, they're closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. Starting at just over $50,000, these graduates out-earn the national median for special education majors by about $6,000 annually. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, which means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of earnings.

The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these numbers could shift considerably year to year. The essentially flat earnings trajectory (a slight decline from year one to year four) is typical for teaching positions where salary scales are predetermined, so this shouldn't alarm you. What matters more is the starting point, which is strong both nationally and within Massachusetts, where special education teachers typically earn around $45,000.

For a family considering this program, the math works: modest debt, above-average starting salary, and the stability of a teaching career with strong demand for special educators. The high admission rate and accessible SAT requirements make this a realistic option for many students interested in this field.

Where Bridgewater State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Bridgewater State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Bridgewater State University	$50,061	$49,481	-1%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	$51,922	$61,326	+18%
Western Washington University	$52,912	$58,469	+11%
Florida International University	$36,598	$57,130	+56%
Westfield State University	$40,429	$45,141	+12%

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater	$11,389	$50,061	$49,481	$27,000	0.54
Westfield State UniversityWestfield	$11,882	$40,429	$45,141	$27,000	0.67
National Median	—	$44,139	—	$26,717	0.61

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 Bridgewater State University, approximately 30% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.