Special Education and Teaching at City University of Seattle

Special education teaching programs in Washington typically produce stronger earnings than what City University of Seattle's peer data suggests. While comparable bachelor's programs nationally point to first-year earnings around $44,139, other Washington schools with reported outcomes show a range from $41,883 to nearly $53,000. The state median sits at $47,398—about $3,200 higher than what similar programs suggest for City University graduates.

The estimated $27,000 debt load aligns with both state and national norms for special education degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. For a teaching credential that leads to steady public school employment with benefits and pension plans, this represents manageable borrowing. Special education teachers also benefit from loan forgiveness programs and hiring incentives that improve the financial picture beyond first-year salary alone.

The concern here is whether City University's program delivers competitive preparation for Washington's school districts. With actual outcomes unavailable due to small cohort size, and estimates falling short of what public universities in the state achieve, you're betting on a program without clear evidence it matches local alternatives. If your child is committed to special education and considering private options, verify that this program opens the same doors—particularly for certification and district hiring—as the state universities posting stronger numbers.