Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,139
Est. from national median (170 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,023
Est. from national median (128 programs)

Analysis

Special education programs across Texas show a clearer path than what we can verify for Midwestern State specifically. While peer programs nationally suggest around $44,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $26,000 in debt, Texas programs typically perform better—the state median for special education bachelor's degrees reaches $47,800 with considerably lower debt of $18,200. That's a meaningful gap, and without actual graduate outcomes from Midwestern State, we're left estimating whether this program tracks closer to typical national patterns or the stronger Texas performance.

The debt-to-earnings picture based on national comparables sits at a manageable 0.59 ratio, which translates to about seven months of gross income—reasonable for an education field where salaries are stable if not spectacular. However, if Midwestern State's graduates actually align with other Texas programs, you'd be looking at higher starting pay with substantially less debt, making the investment notably more attractive. The university's 87% admission rate and 40% Pell Grant population suggest accessibility, but that doesn't tell us whether teacher preparation here translates to strong placement in Texas school districts.

For parents, the uncertainty matters more than usual here because the difference between national and Texas norms is significant. If your child is committed to teaching special education in Texas, investigate Midwestern State's specific job placement rates and whether their certification program has strong relationships with regional school districts—those details will matter more than these estimated figures.

Where Midwestern State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls$10,310$44,139*—$26,023*—
Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo$7,846$47,820*$53,223$18,229*0.38
National Median—$44,139*—$26,717*0.61
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, All Other

All special education teachers not listed separately.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 Midwestern State University, approximately 40% 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 national median of 170 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.