Special Education and Teaching at Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman graduates this special education program with notably less debt than their Tennessee peers—$19,398 versus a state median of $26,717—while matching the state's median first-year earnings of $44,404. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where teachers often face loan burdens that strain modest starting salaries.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates owe less than half their first-year income, positioning them better than most special education programs nationally (5th percentile for debt). First-year earnings land solidly in the middle of the pack, at the 60th percentile among Tennessee programs. While schools like University of Memphis edge slightly higher at $44,664, the difference is negligible—about $260 annually—making Carson-Newman's lower debt load the more important factor for most families.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. If your child is drawn to special education, this program offers a practical path with manageable debt, though the small cohort size means you'll want to visit campus and talk to current students to ensure the program has the resources and support your child needs. The financial fundamentals work in graduates' favor here.