Special Education and Teaching at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State's special education program sits right at the state median for earnings, which tells you something about Mississippi's teacher pay more than this specific program. Starting at $40,185, graduates here actually earn less four years into their careers—a troubling pattern, though with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers jump around more than usual.

The debt load of $22,302 is manageable relative to starting salary (about half a year's earnings), but here's the rub: while this program performs decently among Mississippi's five special education programs (60th percentile), it ranks in just the 24th percentile nationally. Special education teachers at the national median earn $44,000—$4,000 more than Mississippi State grads start with. The gap widens because earnings here actually drop 12% by year four, while special education teachers nationally typically see modest raises as they gain experience and move up salary schedules.

For families committed to Mississippi, this program offers a relatively affordable path into a profession with consistent demand. But parents should understand they're accepting below-national earnings in exchange for lower debt, and that Mississippi's teacher compensation structure may limit long-term earning potential regardless of where you attend. If geographic flexibility exists, comparing outcomes at out-of-state programs could reveal better return on the same debt investment.