Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degree) at Wilson College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$48,649

Est. from PA median (15 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from PA median (7 programs)

Analysis

Special education teachers are in high demand across Pennsylvania, but Wilson College's estimated outcomes land squarely in the middle of what's typical statewide. Based on comparable programs across PA, graduates can expect around $48,600 in first-year earnings—close to the national median for the field—with roughly $27,000 in debt. This translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning debt represents about half a year's salary, which is reasonable for a teaching credential.

The challenge is that Pennsylvania's special education landscape shows limited earnings growth potential at the entry level. Even top-performing programs in the state like York College and Millersville University only produce first-year earnings in the low $50,000s—about $3,000 to $4,000 more than Wilson's estimated figure. This narrow range suggests the field's salary structure, rather than the specific college, largely determines early-career earnings.

For families considering Wilson, the key question is job security and personal fit rather than dramatic earnings differences. The estimated debt load won't be crushing on a teacher's salary, but you're not looking at significant financial upside either. If your child is committed to special education and Wilson offers the supportive environment they need to complete the degree, the numbers work—just understand you're paying for the credential and career access, not exceptional earnings potential.

Where Wilson College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (38 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Wilson CollegeChambersburg	$27,000	$48,649*	—	$27,000*	—
York College of PennsylvaniaYork	$24,606	$52,199*	$48,651	$27,000*	0.52
Millersville University of PennsylvaniaMillersville	$12,262	$51,664*	$46,704	$29,737*	0.58
Lebanon Valley CollegeAnnville	$50,320	$51,415*	$45,900	$27,000*	0.53
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia	$51,340	$50,698*	—	$27,000*	0.53
Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaKutztown	$11,230	$50,645*	$49,619	$27,000*	0.53
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 Wilson College, approximately 27% 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 15 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.