Special Education and Teaching at Le Moyne-Owen College

Based on comparable special education programs in Tennessee, Le Moyne-Owen graduates likely start around $44,400—squarely in line with both state and national medians for this field. That's competitive with what teachers earn at University of Memphis or Middle Tennessee State, suggesting the program prepares students adequately for Tennessee's special education job market. However, the estimated $27,000 debt load exceeds what's typical across the state ($19,398), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 that's manageable but not ideal for a teaching salary.

The higher debt matters practically: while special education offers strong job security and consistent demand, starting salaries don't leave much cushion for loan payments. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, many Le Moyne-Owen families are counting on this degree to deliver mobility without crushing debt. The estimated figures suggest outcomes similar to peer institutions in earnings but potentially higher borrowing costs.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether Le Moyne-Owen's specific supports—smaller classes, cultural fit, location in Memphis schools—justify potentially borrowing $7,600 more than the state median. Special education credentials open doors reliably, but since the earnings appear standard for Tennessee teachers, minimizing debt through scholarships, work-study, or community college transfer should be priorities. If this program requires the full estimated debt, comparable programs elsewhere in Tennessee might deliver the same teaching career at lower cost.