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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,646 | $41,362* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $47,600 | $45,260* | $44,985 | $20,612* | 0.46 | |
| $12,859 | $45,213* | $43,720 | $26,899* | 0.59 | |
| $41,788 | $42,709* | $40,804 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| $13,570 | $42,347* | — | $25,046* | 0.59 | |
| $17,809 | $41,871* | $43,240 | $27,000* | 0.64 | |
| 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 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.