Compare 7 Special Education and Teaching. programs in North Carolina. Average earnings: $41,133.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Special Education and Teaching tells a different story. Across 7 programs in North Carolina, earnings range from $39,369 to $42,392—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of North Carolina Wilmington's Special Education and Teaching program leads with graduates earning $42,392, followed closely by Appalachian State University at $42,295. The $3K gap may seem modest, but it reflects consistent program-level differences that matter more than institutional prestige when choosing where to study.
For students, debt burden tells the real story. UNC Wilmington graduates borrow $19,500 and face a 13.5% payment burden, earning a 'Manageable' affordability rating. However, when parent loans are included, UNC Greensboro leads with the lowest family debt at $37,496, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $42,392
Strong outcomes ($42,392) with 74% acceptance
13.5% payment burden | Manageable
31.2% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $42,392 | 17 | $19,500 | Manageable | $22,737 | High | |
| #2 | $42,295 | 33 | $20,231 | Manageable | $21,919 | High | |
| #3 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | $41,964 | 38 | $22,750 | Manageable | $19,710 | High |
| #4 | $41,222 | 39 | $21,500 | Manageable | $19,809 | High | |
| #5 | $40,704 | 15 | $21,868 | Manageable | $18,241 | High | |
| #6 | $39,988 | 50 | $22,858 | Challenging | $14,638 | High | |
| #7 | Elon UniversityPrivate | $39,369 | 5 | $20,500 | Manageable | $46,609 | 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 →
