Special Education and Teaching at Lee University

Based on comparable special education programs in Tennessee, Lee University graduates can expect first-year earnings around $44,400—right in line with both state and national medians for this field. That's the good news. The challenge comes with the estimated $27,000 in debt, which exceeds what most Tennessee special education programs report ($19,398 state median) and puts this program's debt burden about $7,600 above what in-state peers typically carry.

The 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory for education careers, where salaries are predictable but modest. Special education teachers in Tennessee typically see steady employment prospects given persistent shortages in the field, which matters when you're managing monthly loan payments. However, that extra debt compared to state competitors means your child would be starting their teaching career with roughly $60 more per month in loan payments than graduates from programs like Middle Tennessee State or the University of Memphis, assuming standard 10-year repayment.

For families prioritizing Lee's faith-based mission and smaller campus environment, this program delivers earnings comparable to larger state universities. But if minimizing education debt is the priority, Tennessee offers multiple special education programs producing similar outcomes with lower typical debt loads. The practical question: is Lee's distinctive campus culture worth carrying that additional financial weight into a profession where every dollar counts?