Special Education and Teaching at Salve Regina University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Salve Regina's graduates earn $51,308 in their first year—$7,000 above the national median for special education programs and placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. That's an impressive premium for a field where starting salaries are notoriously constrained. With just $27,000 in debt (well below the national median), graduates face manageable repayment at about half their annual salary.
The state context is worth noting: among Rhode Island's three programs, this sits in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, essentially matching the state median of $50,060. Rhode Island College graduates earn roughly the same, while Providence College trails slightly behind. The consistency across Rhode Island programs suggests the state's special education teacher market may simply pay well rather than this being unique to Salve Regina.
The caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly. But assuming the data holds, you're looking at above-average starting pay nationwide with reasonable debt, making this one of the more financially sound special education programs available. For a Rhode Island family specifically, it's competitive with in-state alternatives but doesn't dramatically outperform them.
Where Salve Regina University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Salve Regina University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Salve Regina University graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all special education and teaching bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salve Regina University | $51,308 | $53,660 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| Rhode Island College | $50,060 | $50,947 | $29,851 | 0.60 |
| Providence College | $49,664 | $55,130 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $44,139 | — | $26,717 | 0.61 |
Other Special Education and Teaching Programs in Rhode Island
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Rhode Island schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island College Providence | $10,986 | $50,060 | $29,851 |
| Providence College Providence | $60,848 | $49,664 | $27,000 |
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 Salve Regina University, approximately 15% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.