Special Education and Teaching at Indian River State College

Florida's special education programs typically produce first-year earnings around $48,000, and based on peer institutions statewide, Indian River State College's program appears to track with that median. With estimated debt of $21,370—notably below the national median of $26,717 for this credential—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests manageable repayment. For context, special education teachers nationally earn a median of $44,139 in their first year, so Florida programs generally offer stronger starting salaries.

What's unusual here is the earnings trajectory: actual reported data shows graduates earning $45,966 four years out, which is lower than the estimated first-year figure. This dip could reflect temporary career interruptions common in teaching, part-time employment, or simply the volatility that comes with small graduate cohorts. It's worth noting that top programs in Florida like Florida Atlantic and Miami Dade show significantly higher earnings ($56,009 and $53,935 respectively), suggesting location and employer networks matter in this field.

The relatively modest debt load makes this program less risky than many bachelor's degrees, and special education offers strong job security. However, the unclear earnings progression and the gap between this program and Florida's highest earners means your child should weigh this against other state university options that might offer both comparable debt and clearer earning potential.