Est. Earnings (1yr)
$41,362
Est. from OH median (21 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from OH median (5 programs)

Analysis

Ohio's special education market pays graduates an estimated $41,362 in their first year—roughly $3,000 below the national median—but peer programs at this institution suggest manageable debt of around $27,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 falls comfortably within the recommended range for teaching credentials, where starting salaries are predictable and salary schedules provide steady income growth.

What's less clear is how Findlay specifically prepares graduates compared to Ohio programs with reported outcomes. The top-performing special education programs in the state—Dayton, Ohio State, Capital—produce first-year earnings between $42,000 and $45,000, suggesting that institutional reputation and student teaching placement networks matter. With an 86% admission rate and just 14% of students receiving Pell grants, Findlay serves a relatively affluent student body, which may influence both the resources available and the debt students actually carry.

For parents, the core question is whether Findlay's specific teacher preparation justifies tuition when the earnings picture mirrors the state average rather than exceeding it. Special education teachers face consistent demand and clear career progression, but you're looking at estimated figures here—not tracked outcomes for Findlay graduates. If your child is committed to special education, compare Findlay's student teaching partnerships and job placement support against the schools with documented earnings above $42,000.

Where The University of Findlay 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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
The University of FindlayFindlay$39,646$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 The University of Findlay, approximately 14% 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.