Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,049
74th percentile
40th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$27,000
1% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HartfordWest Hartford$47,647$48,049$49,271$27,0000.56
Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven$12,828$50,641$49,147$27,0000.53
National Median$44,139$26,7170.61

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 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.