Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,978
Est. from NY median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from NY median (8 programs)

Analysis

Special education teaching in New York follows a predictable pattern: public universities tend to produce stronger early earnings outcomes than private institutions, and Daemen's estimated figures suggest it falls into the latter category. Based on comparable special education programs in New York, graduates might expect around $39,000 in their first year with roughly $27,000 in debt—figures that align closely with state medians but trail the national benchmark of $44,139 by more than $5,000.

The debt load here is manageable relative to earnings, with payments consuming about 7% of gross income under standard repayment. What's harder to ignore is the earnings gap: peer programs at CUNY Medgar Evers College and Pace University place graduates $10,000 to $23,000 ahead in first-year salary, suggesting that school choice matters significantly in this field. Special education teachers are in high demand across New York, but starting salaries vary dramatically by district and whether graduates secure public school positions immediately.

For families paying private university tuition, the key question is whether Daemen's network and placement support justify the investment when SUNY options exist at lower cost with similar or better estimated outcomes. If your child is committed to special education and can minimize borrowing—or if Daemen offers substantial financial aid—the debt-to-earnings picture is workable. Otherwise, exploring public alternatives deserves serious consideration.

Where Daemen University 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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Daemen UniversityAmherst$33,724$38,978*$27,000*
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 Daemen University, approximately 42% 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.