Special Education and Teaching at University of Central Arkansas

UCA's special education program produces graduates earning slightly above state and national averages, but the real story here is the debt load. At $19,250, graduates owe roughly half what special education majors typically carry nationwide ($26,717). That translates to a 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable monthly payments that leave more breathing room in those crucial early teaching years. Among Arkansas programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, essentially matching what University of Arkansas grads make while keeping debt significantly lower.

The caveat matters, though: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift considerably with a larger sample. Special education teaching positions in Arkansas start around $44,000, and this program delivers right on target. What you won't see here is dramatic salary growth—teaching salaries follow structured schedules that reward longevity over decades, not years.

For a family weighing this investment, the combination of accessible admission (90% acceptance rate), low debt, and earnings that track with state norms makes this a practical path into special education. The teaching shortage means job security, and starting your career with under $20,000 in loans rather than $26,000+ is a meaningful advantage when living on an educator's salary.