Special Education and Teaching at Kean University

Kean University's special education program produces graduates earning $48,628 in their first year—well above the national median of $44,139 and exactly matching New Jersey's state median. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, which means graduates owe just over half their first-year salary. More importantly, that debt figure sits in the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of similar programs leave students with more debt.

What's particularly encouraging here is the earnings trajectory. Graduates see their income climb to $55,172 by year four, a 14% increase that suggests solid career progression in New Jersey's public school system. The program ranks in the 78th percentile nationally, though it falls to the 60th percentile within New Jersey—a reflection of the state's generally strong outcomes for education majors rather than a weakness of Kean's program. Given that special education teachers are in high demand and this is a field with clear certification pathways and job security, the numbers tell a straightforward story.

For families considering this investment, the math works. Your child would enter a profession with immediate earning potential, reasonable debt, and reliable income growth. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and Kean's high admission rate and significant Pell grant population indicate accessibility without sacrificing employment outcomes.