Location: Monmouth, OR•In-State Tuition: $11,025•Out-of-State Tuition: $30,735•Admission Rate: 99%•Avg SAT: 1057
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,139
Est. from national median (170 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,023
Est. from national median (128 programs)

Analysis

Oregon faces a persistent teacher shortage, particularly in special education, which could work in graduates' favor. Based on national benchmarks for special education bachelor's programs, first-year earnings around $44,000 suggest entry into a stable if modestly compensated profession. The estimated debt of $26,000—derived from comparable institutions in Western Oregon's peer group—represents just over half a year's salary, a manageable burden by teaching standards where many graduates carry significantly more.

The real question is sustainability. Special education teachers often command slightly higher salaries than general classroom teachers due to the specialized certification and demanding nature of the work, but burnout rates are notably high. The financial picture appears serviceable in the short term, especially in Oregon districts desperate for qualified candidates. However, without actual graduate outcomes from Western Oregon itself, families should investigate where recent program completers actually land jobs and whether the university's preparation adequately supports new teachers through those critical first years when many leave the profession.

If your child is passionate about special education and committed to staying in the field, these numbers suggest a viable path—not lucrative, but workable. Just recognize you're betting on estimated figures rather than this program's proven track record.

Where Western Oregon University Stands

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

Western Oregon University (estimated ±10%)Other special education and teaching programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth$11,025$44,139*—$26,023*—
Pace UniversityNew York$51,424$62,346*—$24,000*0.38
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$61,474*$49,647$18,125*0.29
University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu$12,186$60,396*$56,026$16,500*0.27
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$56,009*$52,345—*—
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$55,881*—$27,000*0.48
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 Western Oregon University, approximately 40% 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.