Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at High Point University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$42,830

Est. from NC median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from national median (42 programs)

Analysis

Teaching special education is a calling that requires serious financial planning, and High Point's program lands right in the middle of North Carolina's range. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings of around $42,800 would be typical—essentially matching what graduates earn from UNC-Charlotte or UNC-Wilmington. The estimated $27,000 in debt sits slightly above the state median but remains manageable for a teaching career, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63.

The challenge here is purely economic: similar programs at public universities in North Carolina produce nearly identical outcomes, but at significantly lower costs. East Carolina and Appalachian State graduates report earnings in the low $40,000s with median debt around $24,500. Since special education teacher salaries are largely determined by state pay scales rather than where you earned your degree, you're looking at comparable career trajectories regardless of whether you attend a selective private university or a regional public institution.

If High Point offers compelling advantages—smaller class sizes, specialized practicum experiences, or stronger support systems—the additional $2,500-$5,000 in debt may be worthwhile. But financially, this bachelor's degree doesn't carry the premium that might justify private school tuition. Compare the actual financial aid package against what North Carolina's public universities would cost before committing.

Where High Point University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (24 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
High Point UniversityHigh Point	$44,208	$42,830*	—	$27,000*	—
East Carolina UniversityGreenville	$7,361	$44,185*	$41,964	$26,416*	0.60
Appalachian State UniversityBoone	$7,541	$43,283*	$42,295	$25,000*	0.58
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro	$7,593	$42,967*	$39,988	$24,000*	0.56
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte	$7,214	$42,692*	$41,222	$26,602*	0.62
University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington	$7,317	$42,584*	$42,392	$19,500*	0.46
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 High Point University, approximately 11% 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 6 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.