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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,724 | $38,978* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $51,424 | $62,346* | — | $24,000* | 0.38 | |
| $63,061 | $55,881* | — | $27,000* | 0.48 | |
| $7,352 | $49,413* | — | $5,500* | 0.11 | |
| $8,379 | $38,978* | $44,330 | $24,145* | 0.62 | |
| $8,966 | $37,229* | — | $23,250* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $44,139* | — | $26,717* | 0.61 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Special Education Teachers, All Other
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Interpreters and Translators
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
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.