Special Education and Teaching at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 looks manageable on paper, but the context here matters considerably. While similar special education programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $44,000—solidly in line with what Arkansas teachers actually make—the estimated $26,000 in debt sits well above what graduates from comparable Arkansas programs typically carry. The state median for this credential is closer to $20,000, meaning students here may be borrowing roughly $6,000 more than peers at other in-state universities for essentially the same career entry point.

Teaching positions come with defined salary schedules, so there's little income upside that can justify higher borrowing. When University of Central Arkansas and University of Arkansas graduates report nearly identical starting earnings with lower debt loads, the financial calculus shifts. Special education is stable, necessary work with strong job security, but it won't generate the income growth that can absorb excess student loans quickly. The difference between $20,000 and $26,000 in debt translates to hundreds more in monthly payments over a standard repayment period—meaningful dollars on a teacher's salary.

If your child is committed to special education and has strong ties to Little Rock, this program will prepare them for a reliable career. But compare the actual aid packages carefully against Arkansas's other public universities, where peer outcomes suggest lower borrowing for the same certification.