Analysis
Based on comparable special education programs across South Dakota, this bachelor's degree appears to position graduates near the middle of the state's range, with estimated first-year earnings around $46,400. That figure sits comfortably above the national median for special education teachers while matching what other South Dakota programs typically produce. The estimated $27,000 debt load—derived from national patterns at similar private institutions—translates to a 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable for a teaching credential where salaries follow predictable public school scales.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With University of Sioux Falls having too few recent graduates in this program to report actual outcomes, you're relying on what peer programs suggest rather than what this school definitively delivers. South Dakota's special education programs show a $7,000 spread between top and bottom performers, and it's unclear where USF actually falls. The school's 82% admission rate and 29% Pell enrollment suggest accessibility, but that doesn't tell you whether their education graduates secure competitive positions or struggle relative to graduates from Black Hills State or USD.
If your child is committed to teaching special education in South Dakota, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable economics—but you're making that investment without seeing this specific program's track record. Before committing, ask USF directly about job placement rates and where their graduates teach, since those concrete outcomes matter more than estimated averages when the actual data remains hidden.
Where University of Sioux Falls Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,740 | $46,439* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,000 | $49,134* | $43,683 | $26,812* | 0.55 | |
| $9,432 | $46,439* | $39,798 | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $9,633 | $42,318* | — | $31,000* | 0.73 | |
| 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 Sioux Falls, approximately 29% 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 median of 3 similar programs in SD. Actual outcomes may vary.