Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at Ohio Wesleyan University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$41,362

Est. from OH median (21 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from OH median (5 programs)

Analysis

Teacher salaries start low, and this program reflects that reality. Similar special education programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $41,000—near the state median for this field but trailing the stronger programs by $3,000-4,000 annually. While that gap might sound modest, it compounds over a career, and Ohio Wesleyan's selectivity (SAT scores above 1300) suggests students here might have had access to those higher-performing alternatives.

The estimated $27,000 debt load sits squarely at the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65—manageable but not comfortable for someone entering one of education's most demanding specialties. Special education teachers face significant emotional labor and administrative burden while earning less than many other college-requiring professions. Peer programs suggest a monthly debt payment of roughly $275-300, which represents a meaningful bite from that $41,000 starting salary after taxes.

For families considering this path: teaching special education is vital work, but the financial equation here is straightforward rather than advantageous. The estimated figures track typical Ohio outcomes rather than standout ones, and Ohio Wesleyan's premium tuition doesn't appear to translate into premium placement. If your child is committed to special education specifically, exploring the public universities that report stronger earnings—or programs with lower debt loads—would strengthen the financial foundation for what's already a challenging but rewarding career choice.

Where Ohio Wesleyan University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (43 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelaware	$52,357	$41,362*	—	$27,000*	—
University of DaytonDayton	$47,600	$45,260*	$44,985	$20,612*	0.46
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus	$12,859	$45,213*	$43,720	$26,899*	0.59
Capital UniversityColumbus	$41,788	$42,709*	$40,804	$27,000*	0.63
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati	$13,570	$42,347*	—	$25,046*	0.59
Miami University-OxfordOxford	$17,809	$41,871*	$43,240	$27,000*	0.64
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 Ohio Wesleyan University, approximately 25% 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 21 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.