Special Education and Teaching at King University

Based on comparable Tennessee programs, King's special education degree appears to follow state norms for earnings—an estimated $44,404 first-year—but carries heavier debt at an estimated $27,000. Tennessee's special education programs typically see graduates leave with around $19,400 in debt, nearly $8,000 less than what King students appear to face. That difference matters when you're starting at a salary that puts food on the table but doesn't leave much room for aggressive loan repayment.

Special education teaching positions offer reliable work and meaningful careers, but the financial model here is tighter than at peer programs in the state. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, graduates would dedicate a manageable but not insignificant portion of their early paychecks to loans—workable on a teacher's salary, but less comfortable than at programs where debt runs closer to the state median. The earnings themselves align with what special ed teachers make across Tennessee, suggesting King prepares graduates for competitive positions even if the financial package isn't quite as favorable.

For families considering this path, the key question is whether King offers specific advantages—smaller class sizes, clinical placement networks, or preparation quality—that justify carrying an extra $8,000 in debt compared to other Tennessee options. If not, comparable programs at University of Memphis or Middle Tennessee State deliver similar earning power at what appears to be lower cost.