Analysis
Starting salaries around $44,000 place Regis College's special education program right in line with what similar programs produce nationally, though slightly below the Massachusetts state median of $45,245. The estimated $27,000 in debt—drawn from comparable private institutions—creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary. For context, nearby public options like Bridgewater State show higher starting salaries ($50,061), suggesting that Massachusetts teachers generally face a competitive job market with reasonable entry points.
The challenge here is straightforward: teaching salaries start modestly everywhere, and special education is no exception. While the debt load appears manageable based on what students at similar private colleges typically borrow, parents should recognize that Regis's tuition structure as a private institution makes cost control crucial. Massachusetts offers strong teacher unions and competitive benefits that improve the long-term financial picture, but those first few years require careful budgeting.
The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to special education specifically and values Regis's smaller campus environment, the estimated financial picture is workable but not exceptional. However, given that we're working with estimates here rather than actual Regis outcomes, compare the net price you'd actually pay against what the public alternatives would cost—especially since Massachusetts public university graduates in this field show solid employment outcomes.
Where Regis College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,770 | $44,139* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $11,389 | $50,061* | $49,481 | $27,000* | 0.54 | |
| $11,882 | $40,429* | $45,141 | $27,000* | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $44,139* | — | $26,717* | 0.61 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Special Education Teachers, All Other
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Interpreters and Translators
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
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 Regis College, approximately 28% 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 national median of 170 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.