Compare 7 Special Education and Teaching. programs in Kentucky. Average earnings: $38,046.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Special Education and Teaching tells a different story. Across 7 programs, earnings range from $35,517 to $44,843—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of Kentucky's Special Education program leads with graduates earning $44,843, nearly $7,000 above the state average of $38,046. Bellarmine University follows at $39,983, while Eastern Kentucky University produces graduates earning $38,073. The data confirms program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Kentucky graduates borrow $22,500 and face a 13.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. But when parent loans are included, families face a 35.1% burden, showing the full financial picture varies significantly.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $44,843 | 22 | $22,500 | Manageable | $30,006 | High |
| #2 | Bellarmine UniversityPrivate | $39,983 | 20 | $25,000 | Challenging | $23,000 | High |
| #3 | $38,073 | 25 | $22,500 | Challenging | $14,685 | High | |
| #4 | $36,131 | 15 | $23,000 | Challenging | $14,877 | High | |
| #5 | $36,125 | 40 | $22,250 | Challenging | $10,050 | High | |
| #6 | $35,653 | 29 | $22,095 | Challenging | $18,310 | High | |
| #7 | Murray State UniversityPublic | $35,517 | 25 | $20,500 | Challenging | $18,465 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
