Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,139
Est. from national median (170 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (42 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Mary Hardin-BaylorBelton$33,150$44,139*$27,000*
Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo$7,846$47,820*$53,223$18,229*0.38
National Median$44,139*$26,717*0.61
* Estimated from similar programs

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 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.