Compare 8 Special Education and Teaching. programs in Missouri. Average earnings: $35,537.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Special Education and Teaching tells a different story. Across 8 programs, earnings range from $28,816 to $39,625—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Northwest Missouri State University's Special Education program leads with graduates earning $39,625, followed closely by University of Missouri-Columbia at $39,236. The average across all programs is $35,537, yet these regional publics demonstrate that specialized education programs thrive outside traditional prestige rankings.
For students, University of Missouri-Columbia offers the strongest value with $20,500 in borrowing and a 16.9% payment burden—manageable for most graduates. However, when parent loans are included, Northwest Missouri State leads with better family affordability at $37,303 total debt, proving the best choice depends on funding strategy.
Highest program earnings: $39,625
Strong outcomes ($39,625) with 86% acceptance
16.9% payment burden | Manageable
31.9% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $39,625 | 28 | $21,500 | Manageable | $15,803 | High | |
| #2 | $39,236 | 27 | $20,500 | Manageable | $32,529 | High | |
| #3 | $35,842 | 42 | $21,992 | Challenging | $15,092 | High | |
| #4 | $35,661 | 23 | $21,000 | Challenging | $14,000 | High | |
| #5 | Missouri Baptist UniversityPrivate | $35,312 | 19 | $22,500 | Challenging | $17,265 | High |
| #6 | $35,277 | 35 | $21,500 | Challenging | $15,000 | High | |
| #7 | Fontbonne UniversityPrivate | $34,526 | 15 | $25,000 | High | $20,962 | High |
| #8 | $28,816 | 14 | $17,619 | High | $13,500 | 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 →
