Analysis
Special education teachers in Pennsylvania typically start around $48,600, and based on comparable programs across the state, King's College graduates likely land in that same range—which puts them squarely at the state median but slightly above the national benchmark of $44,139. The estimated $27,000 debt load mirrors what other Pennsylvania private colleges report for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that's manageable for a field with stable demand and clear licensure pathways.
The challenge here is that Pennsylvania's special education market shows a compressed salary range at entry level. Even graduates from programs with strong reported outcomes—like York College at $52,199 or Millersville at $51,664—aren't earning dramatically more in their first year. This suggests that Pennsylvania school districts follow relatively standardized starting salary schedules for special educators, regardless of where teachers earned their degrees. King's estimated position at the state median reflects this reality.
For parents, the key consideration is whether the estimated $27,000 debt is worth incurring when your child could potentially achieve similar outcomes at a Pennsylvania state school with lower borrowing. Special education offers job security and a mission-driven career, but the financial return doesn't vary enough across institutions to justify significant debt premiums. If King's provides strong student teaching placements or connections to specific school districts your family values, that could tip the balance—but the numbers alone suggest exploring more affordable options first.
Where King's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,600 | $48,649* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $24,606 | $52,199* | $48,651 | $27,000* | 0.52 | |
| $12,262 | $51,664* | $46,704 | $29,737* | 0.58 | |
| $50,320 | $51,415* | $45,900 | $27,000* | 0.53 | |
| $51,340 | $50,698* | — | $27,000* | 0.53 | |
| $11,230 | $50,645* | $49,619 | $27,000* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $44,139* | — | $26,717* | 0.61 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Special Education Teachers, All Other
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Interpreters and Translators
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
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 King's College, approximately 27% 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 15 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.