Special Education and Teaching at University of Evansville

This program's estimated debt load sits slightly above the state median for special education programs in Indiana, while earnings align right at the state average of $45,802. Based on comparable programs across the state, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—meaning the estimated debt is just over half of first-year salary. That's manageable territory for a teaching credential, though it's worth noting that Indiana's flagship universities produce graduates earning $48,000-$51,000 in this field, suggesting there may be market advantages to the larger programs.

The fundamental challenge with special education teaching is universal, not unique to this estimate: it's steady work with strong demand, but the salary ceiling is predetermined by school district pay scales. Whether graduates earn the estimated $45,802 or somewhat more, they're entering a profession where income grows predictably but slowly. At an estimated $27,000 in debt, loan payments would consume roughly 12% of gross income in the early years—tight but not crushing for a career with excellent job security and benefits.

Given that both earnings and debt figures are estimates derived from peer programs rather than actual University of Evansville outcomes, the real question is whether a smaller private institution provides enough value-add in placement support, student teaching networks, or local hiring relationships to justify potentially higher costs than state universities. If the actual debt tracks closer to these estimates, the program looks financially viable; if it runs significantly higher, the math gets harder to defend.