Special Education and Teaching at Old Dominion University

In Virginia, special education programs typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000, but comparable programs nationally suggest Old Dominion graduates might start closer to $44,000—a meaningful difference that could reflect the school's regional connections or program strength. The estimated $26,000 debt load sits below both the national median for this degree ($26,717) and well below what similar Virginia programs typically carry ($29,875), which matters in a field where teaching salaries grow predictably but slowly.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 indicates manageable repayment terms, especially within a profession that offers loan forgiveness programs for educators who commit to high-need schools. Special education teachers remain in high demand, and Virginia's urban centers—where Old Dominion has strong placement networks—typically offer salary supplements and signing bonuses that these first-year figures don't capture.

What works in your favor here: lower estimated debt than state peers, entry into a stable profession with clear advancement paths, and a degree that qualifies graduates for positions immediately upon licensure. The estimates based on national patterns suggest solid fundamentals, though you'll want to verify actual placement rates and starting salaries with Old Dominion's education department directly, particularly for graduates staying in the Hampton Roads area versus those relocating.