Analysis
Texas special education programs typically produce stronger outcomes than what these national estimates suggest for University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. While comparable programs nationally point to first-year earnings around $44,139, the state median for Texas sits notably higher at $47,820—a meaningful gap for a field where every dollar matters. The estimated $27,000 debt load translates to a 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, which looks manageable on paper, but it's based on national borrowing patterns rather than this specific institution's financial aid performance.
The challenge here is visibility. With both earnings and debt figures derived from peer programs rather than actual graduate outcomes, you're essentially betting that Mary Hardin-Baylor's results track with national norms rather than the stronger Texas market. Given that the state median debt for special education programs is just $18,229—significantly lower than the estimated figure here—there's real uncertainty about whether this program delivers the financial outcomes typical of Texas teacher preparation programs. Special education teachers are in demand across Texas, but starting salaries vary considerably by district and certification path.
Before committing, contact the education department directly to ask about graduate placement rates, starting salaries by district, and typical debt levels for recent completers. The estimated figures suggest a viable path, but actual data from this program could tell a very different story—either better or worse than these national proxies indicate.
Where University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,150 | $44,139* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $7,846 | $47,820* | $53,223 | $18,229* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Mary Hardin-Baylor, approximately 37% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 170 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.