Analysis
University of Hartford graduates earn slightly above the national average for special education teachers but lag behind Connecticut's state median—placing them in the 40th percentile among Connecticut programs. That gap matters: Southern Connecticut State University graduates earn about $2,500 more annually while carrying the same debt load. With Connecticut's strong public school system and competitive teacher salaries, falling short of the state median raises questions about job placement support or district connections.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $27,000, which matches both state and national norms. With first-year earnings around $48,000, graduates face manageable monthly payments that shouldn't strain a teacher's budget. The modest 3% earnings growth over four years is typical for teachers following standard salary schedules, so the flat trajectory isn't alarming in this field.
The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than programs with larger cohorts. That said, special education teachers enjoy strong job security and Connecticut offers decent compensation. If your child is committed to special education, this program gets them licensed, but Connecticut's public universities deliver comparable or better outcomes at lower tuition costs. Run the net price calculator carefully—private school tuition for middling state-level results only makes sense if financial aid brings your actual cost down substantially.
Where University of Hartford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Hartford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hartford | $48,049 | $49,271 | +3% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $51,922 | $61,326 | +18% |
| Western Washington University | $52,912 | $58,469 | +11% |
| Florida International University | $36,598 | $57,130 | +56% |
| Southern Connecticut State University | $50,641 | $49,147 | -3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,647 | $48,049 | $49,271 | $27,000 | 0.56 | |
| $12,828 | $50,641 | $49,147 | $27,000 | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $44,139 | — | $26,717 | 0.61 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Special Education Teachers, All Other
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Interpreters and Translators
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
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 Hartford, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.