Special Education and Teaching at Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Millersville graduates some of the highest-earning special education teachers in the country—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally—but the unusual earnings trajectory deserves scrutiny. First-year teachers earn $51,664, placing them among top earners in Pennsylvania as well, but by year four salaries drop to $46,704. This decline likely reflects district placement patterns or changes in teaching assignments rather than career stagnation, since special education teacher salaries typically follow union-negotiated scales that increase over time.
The debt picture is notably favorable: $29,737 represents the 6th percentile nationally (meaning 94% of programs leave students with more debt), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. This positions graduates to handle loan payments comfortably even with the year-four earnings dip. Among Pennsylvania's 38 special education programs, Millersville sits solidly in the middle for earnings while maintaining below-average debt—a combination that's harder to find than it might seem.
The real question is what drives that earnings drop. If it's temporary (like changing districts or taking time off), Millersville's strong starting salaries and low debt create flexibility. If it's structural, the program still delivers competitive lifetime earnings for teaching. Either way, the combination of strong initial placement and manageable debt makes this a sensible investment for students committed to special education careers in Pennsylvania.
Where Millersville University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Millersville University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Millersville University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all special education and teaching bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $51,664 | $46,704 | $29,737 | 0.58 |
| York College of Pennsylvania | $52,199 | $48,651 | $27,000 | 0.52 |
| Lebanon Valley College | $51,415 | $45,900 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $50,698 | — | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | $50,645 | $49,619 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | $50,327 | $51,821 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $44,139 | — | $26,717 | 0.61 |
Other Special Education and Teaching Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| York College of Pennsylvania York | $24,606 | $52,199 | $27,000 |
| Lebanon Valley College Annville | $50,320 | $51,415 | $27,000 |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Philadelphia | $51,340 | $50,698 | $27,000 |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown | $11,230 | $50,645 | $27,000 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg | $11,036 | $50,327 | $27,000 |
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 Millersville University of Pennsylvania, approximately 27% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 99 graduates with reported earnings and 110 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.