Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at CUNY Brooklyn College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,978

Est. from NY median (7 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,250

Est. from NY median (5 programs)

Analysis

Special education programs in New York typically launch graduates into teaching careers that start modestly, and Brooklyn College appears to follow this pattern. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $39,000 align with the NY median, though they trail the national benchmark of $44,000 by about $5,000. The estimated debt of $23,250 is actually lower than both state and national medians, giving this program a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60—manageable for a public service career.

What's worth noting is the wide variation among NY programs in this field. Some private institutions like Pace report starting salaries above $62,000, while other CUNY and SUNY schools cluster in the $37-40,000 range. These differences likely reflect geographic placement and district budgets more than program quality. Brooklyn College's accessible tuition and lower estimated debt load become significant advantages when you're entering a profession with relatively compressed salary scales, especially given that more than half of students here receive Pell grants.

For families concerned about affordability, a CUNY education in special education represents solid practical value. The estimated debt is below average for this credential, and while starting salaries won't be eye-popping, they're typical for public school teachers in New York. Just understand these figures are based on peer programs—actual outcomes for Brooklyn College graduates may vary somewhat.

Where CUNY Brooklyn College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (36 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
CUNY Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn	$7,452	$38,978*	—	$23,250*	—
Pace UniversityNew York	$51,424	$62,346*	—	$24,000*	0.38
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse	$63,061	$55,881*	—	$27,000*	0.48
CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn	$7,352	$49,413*	—	$5,500*	0.11
SUNY Old WestburyOld Westbury	$8,379	$38,978*	$44,330	$24,145*	0.62
SUNY College at GeneseoGeneseo	$8,966	$37,229*	—	$23,250*	0.62
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 CUNY Brooklyn College, approximately 56% 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 NY. Actual outcomes may vary.