Special Education and Teaching at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

The debt burden here deserves attention: at an estimated $26,023, graduates of this program would carry substantially more than the Tennessee median of $19,398 for special education bachelor's degrees. While comparable special education programs in Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $44,400—right in line with what graduates from University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State actually report—that higher debt load translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59. That's manageable, but less favorable than what you'd find at many Tennessee programs preparing teachers for the same career path.

Special education teachers enter a high-demand field with relatively stable salary progression, which provides some reassurance. The estimated earnings align closely with both state and national benchmarks for this major, suggesting the credential should provide entry into the profession at typical starting pay. However, the combination of higher estimated debt and a low Pell grant rate (13%) raises questions about the program's accessibility and cost structure compared to state alternatives.

For a family weighing this program against other Tennessee options, the key question is whether any unique features—clinical placements, faculty expertise, or specialized certifications—justify carrying an additional $6,600 in debt compared to the state median. If not, exploring programs at institutions with lower typical debt loads would likely produce the same teaching credential with better financial positioning at career start.