Special Education and Teaching at Bridgewater State University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Bridgewater State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bridgewater State University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 90th percentile of all special education and teaching bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater State University | $50,061 | $49,481 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| Westfield State University | $40,429 | $45,141 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| National Median | $44,139 | — | $26,717 | 0.61 |
Other Special Education and Teaching Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield State University Westfield | $11,882 | $40,429 | $27,000 |
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.