Special Education and Teaching at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's special education program graduates carry remarkably low debt—$18,493 compared to the national median of $26,717—which puts them in a strong position relative to most programs nationally. However, the earnings picture is less encouraging: at $44,052 in year one, graduates earn slightly below both the Tennessee median ($44,404) and land in just the 40th percentile among Tennessee programs. More concerning is the 5% decline in earnings by year four, suggesting limited salary progression in the early career years.

The low debt burden deserves emphasis here. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, graduates have manageable loans that won't overwhelm typical teacher salaries. That said, earning below the state median while attending a state university is worth noting—programs like University of Memphis and Carson-Newman produce similar or better outcomes at comparable debt levels. For families banking on Tennessee's in-state tuition advantage, this program delivers on affordability but underperforms slightly on the earning potential side.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, but the pattern suggests a solid choice for students who prioritize graduating with minimal debt over maximizing initial salary. If your child is committed to special education and values staying close to Nashville, the financial picture is workable—just understand they'll likely start near the lower end of what Tennessee special ed teachers earn.