Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$46,697

Est. from MN median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from MN median (5 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable special education programs across Minnesota, this degree path suggests starting earnings around $47,000 against roughly $27,000 in student debt—a 0.58 ratio that aligns with what education professionals typically face. While we don't have Minnesota State Moorhead's specific outcomes, similar programs at Mankato and Winona State report first-year earnings in the $46,700-$47,100 range, suggesting the state estimate is grounded in actual regional results.

Special education teaching offers stability that raw numbers don't fully capture: consistent demand, strong benefits packages, and union protections that matter as much as starting salary. The debt load here is manageable for a teaching career, roughly equivalent to six months' gross pay. That said, Minnesota's best-performing program (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) shows $3,000 higher first-year earnings, which compounds significantly over a career—worth considering if your child has competitive admissions options.

The practical question is whether Moorhead specifically prepares graduates as effectively as its state peers. Without program-specific data, you're making an informed bet based on regional patterns rather than proven outcomes. If your child is committed to special education and Moorhead offers the right campus environment or location advantages, these estimates suggest reasonable financial footing. Just recognize you're relying on how similar Minnesota programs perform, not evidence of this particular program's track record.

Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead	$10,336	$46,697*	—	$27,000*	—
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis	$16,488	$49,771*	—	$18,387*	0.37
Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato	$9,490	$47,132*	$49,281	$27,000*	0.57
Winona State UniversityWinona	$10,498	$46,697*	$46,505	$27,000*	0.58
Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud	$10,117	$46,662*	$43,167	$28,250*	0.61
Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall	$10,304	$44,510*	—	$30,542*	0.69
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 Minnesota State University Moorhead, 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.

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 median of 5 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.