Location: Fitchburg, MA•In-State Tuition: $11,046•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,126•Admission Rate: 90%•Avg SAT: 1114
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,139
Est. from national median (170 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,023
Est. from national median (128 programs)

Analysis

Massachusetts special education programs show a tight earnings range—from $40,000 to just over $50,000 in first-year salaries—and Fitchburg State's estimated $44,000 falls squarely in the middle based on national peer programs. The estimated $26,000 debt load is also typical for this field, creating a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests you'd owe roughly seven months of gross salary.

The practical math matters here: special education teachers in Massachusetts start with predictable, union-scale salaries that don't vary dramatically by school. Peer programs in the state produce graduates earning within a $10,000 band, which means choosing Fitchburg State over alternatives likely won't significantly change earning potential—but it could affect debt if other programs offer better aid packages. The field offers job security and clear career progression, though you're not looking at financial upside compared to other teaching specialties.

For families prioritizing stable employment and public service, this path delivers what it promises: steady work with manageable debt. Compare Fitchburg State's actual aid offers against the two other state universities in this space, since a $5,000-$10,000 difference in total borrowing matters more than small variations in starting salary when everyone's heading toward the same pay scales.

Where Fitchburg State University Stands

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

Fitchburg State University (estimated ±10%)Other special education and teaching programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg$11,046$44,139*—$26,023*—
Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater$11,389$50,061*$49,481$27,000*0.54
Westfield State UniversityWestfield$11,882$40,429*$45,141$27,000*0.67
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 Fitchburg State University, approximately 31% 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 national median of 170 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.