Special Education and Teaching at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University's special education program generates lower starting salaries than most Washington alternatives—$41,883 versus the state median of $47,398—placing it in just the 40th percentile among the state's 10 programs. That's a meaningful gap in a field where salaries are already modest. Western Washington University's graduates, for comparison, earn $52,912 in their first year, nearly $11,000 more. The lower debt load here ($23,000 versus $27,000 statewide) only partially offsets this earnings disadvantage.

The positive story is in the trajectory: earnings jump 31% by year four to nearly $55,000, suggesting graduates secure full-time teaching positions and move up salary schedules as expected in public education. This is exactly the pattern you'd hope to see for special education teachers. However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these figures could swing considerably with just a few data points.

For families weighing in-state options, this program costs less in debt but starts you behind in earnings compared to other Washington schools. If your child is admitted to Western or another higher-performing program in the state, the earnings premium would likely justify similar debt levels. Eastern Washington works best as a backup option or if location in Cheney specifically matters to your family.