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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,310 | $44,139* | — | $26,023* | — | |
| $7,846 | $47,820* | $53,223 | $18,229* | 0.38 | |
| 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 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.