Special Education and Teaching at Winona State University

Winona State's special education program places graduates right at Minnesota's median for teacher earnings—$46,697—but what stands out is the exceptionally manageable debt load. At $27,000, graduates owe roughly half a year's salary, well below what most teachers nationwide face. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 ranks in the 25th percentile nationally, meaning 75% of similar programs leave graduates with heavier debt burdens.

The earnings trajectory tells the more complicated story. After four years, median pay remains essentially flat at $46,505, typical for teaching positions where salary schedules often compress early- and mid-career compensation. Winona State graduates earn slightly less than those from Minnesota's flagship in the Twin Cities ($49,771) but match or exceed most other state programs. Ranking in the 60th percentile among Minnesota special education programs, the outcomes are solidly middle-tier for the state.

For families focused on financial security, this program delivers what teaching careers typically offer: stable, predictable income with low debt burden. The $27,000 debt makes monthly payments manageable on a teacher's salary, and special education positions remain in high demand across Minnesota. Just understand that the $46,000-range salary reflects where earnings will likely stay, not where they're starting from.