Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Alabama in Huntsville

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$43,221

Est. from AL median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,000

Est. from AL median (5 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable special education programs in Alabama, graduates typically earn around $43,200 in their first year—right in line with both state and national norms for this field. The estimated $26,000 debt load produces a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning total borrowing equals roughly seven months of first-year salary. That's reasonable for a teaching credential, though not exceptional.

What's worth noting is that Alabama's special education salaries cluster tightly. The state's top-performing programs—including Alabama's flagship in Tuscaloosa—show earnings ranging from about $42,100 to $45,600, a spread of just $3,500. UAH falls squarely in the middle of this narrow band. Unlike fields where school prestige dramatically affects outcomes, special education salaries are largely determined by district pay scales and certification requirements, which limit variation regardless of where you earn your degree.

The practical reality: if your child is committed to special education teaching in Alabama, UAH offers a path to the profession with debt that shouldn't overwhelm starting teacher pay. However, since these figures are estimates based on peer programs rather than UAH's actual graduate outcomes, confirm the program's teacher certification pass rates and job placement record before committing—those metrics matter more than small salary differences when all roads lead to similar public school positions.

Where University of Alabama in Huntsville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville	$11,770	$43,221*	—	$26,000*	—
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa	$11,900	$45,631*	$45,349	$26,000*	0.57
Athens State UniversityAthens	—	$43,668*	—	$29,215*	0.67
Auburn UniversityAuburn	$12,536	$42,774*	$45,087	$22,250*	0.52
Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville	$12,426	$42,107*	—	$24,250*	0.58
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 University of Alabama in Huntsville, approximately 23% 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 4 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.