Special Education and Teaching at University of South Carolina-Upstate
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
USC Upstate's special education program sits right at South Carolina's median for earnings but trails the national average by about $4,000 annually—a meaningful gap when you're starting at $40,000. The debt load of $26,750 is typical for this field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, but the concerning piece is the national ranking: this program lands in just the 24th percentile compared to special education programs nationwide.
However, context matters here. The program performs at the 60th percentile within South Carolina, meaning it's actually above average for the state despite the weak national showing. This suggests the issue may be more about South Carolina's teacher compensation than the program itself. The school serves a largely middle-income student body (45% on Pell grants), and graduates enter a stable field with consistent demand, even if not high-paying.
The critical caveat: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers could shift significantly year to year. A few graduates pursuing advanced degrees or taking time off before employment could skew the earnings data. For families committed to special education and staying in South Carolina, this represents a reasonable path—just know your child will likely earn less than peers who pursue the same career in higher-paying states. If geographic flexibility is an option, look at programs in states with stronger teacher compensation.
Where University of South Carolina-Upstate Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all special education and teaching bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | $40,322 | — | $26,750 | 0.66 |
| Coastal Carolina University | $42,147 | $39,178 | $27,000 | 0.64 |
| Winthrop University | $40,435 | — | $26,717 | 0.66 |
| Anderson University | $40,264 | — | — | — |
| College of Charleston | $39,832 | $40,564 | $24,025 | 0.60 |
| National Median | $44,139 | — | $26,717 | 0.61 |
Other Special Education and Teaching Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Carolina University Conway | $11,640 | $42,147 | $27,000 |
| Winthrop University Rock Hill | $15,956 | $40,435 | $26,717 |
| Anderson University Anderson | $33,580 | $40,264 | — |
| College of Charleston Charleston | $12,978 | $39,832 | $24,025 |
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 South Carolina-Upstate, approximately 45% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.