Special Education and Teaching at Weber State University

In Utah, special education programs cluster in the $46,000-$61,000 range for first-year earnings, and Weber State appears to land in the middle of this pack. Similar programs across the state suggest earnings around $50,500, which exceeds both the national median for special education degrees ($44,139) and surpasses the 75th percentile nationally. Utah's relatively strong teacher compensation shows up clearly here—though it's worth noting that Utah State's graduates start about $11,000 higher, suggesting significant variation even within the state.

The estimated $26,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates from comparable programs would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This falls within reasonable territory for education degrees, which typically accept lower earnings in exchange for job security and benefits. Special education positions are consistently in demand, offering strong job placement odds that offset the modest starting salary.

For families prioritizing stable employment with a clear career path, this program presents a sensible option, particularly given Utah's above-average teacher salaries compared to national figures. The key uncertainty lies in why Weber State's specific outcomes aren't reported—whether it's simply a small graduating class or other factors—but peer programs in Utah demonstrate that special education graduates enter a relatively healthy job market here.