Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Median Earnings (1yr)

$42,584

39th percentile

40th percentile in North Carolina

Median Debt

$19,500

27% below national median

Analysis

UNC Wilmington's special education program sits right at the state median for earnings—40th percentile among North Carolina's 24 programs—while keeping debt substantially lower than average. Graduates carry just $19,500 in debt compared to NC's $24,500 median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that's quite manageable for a teaching career. The first-year salary of $42,584 is modest but typical for special education teachers in the region, hovering close to both state and national medians.

The concern here is the complete absence of earnings growth: graduates earn essentially the same amount four years out as they do right after graduation. This stagnation likely reflects North Carolina's teacher salary structure rather than the program itself, as other state programs show similar patterns. The trade-off is clear—you're getting into a stable, needed profession without crushing debt, but salary advancement will depend more on district policies and advanced degrees than time in the field.

Keep in mind the sample size is small (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes could vary more than these numbers suggest. For a student committed to special education teaching in North Carolina, this program offers a financially responsible entry point. Just understand that the salary ceiling is real, and any significant income growth will likely require moving into administration or earning additional certifications.

Where University of North Carolina Wilmington Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Carolina Wilmington 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 North Carolina Wilmington	$42,584	$42,392	-0%
Appalachian State University	$43,283	$42,295	-2%
East Carolina University	$44,185	$41,964	-5%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	$42,692	$41,222	-3%
Western Carolina University	$41,376	$40,704	-2%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (24 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington	$7,317	$42,584	$42,392	$19,500	0.46
East Carolina UniversityGreenville	$7,361	$44,185	$41,964	$26,416	0.60
Appalachian State UniversityBoone	$7,541	$43,283	$42,295	$25,000	0.58
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro	$7,593	$42,967	$39,988	$24,000	0.56
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte	$7,214	$42,692	$41,222	$26,602	0.62
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee	$4,532	$41,376	$40,704	$20,485	0.50
National Median	—	$44,139	—	$26,717	0.61

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 North Carolina Wilmington, approximately 24% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.