Special Education Degree in Savannah, GA — Salary & ROI 2026
Special Education degree analysis for Savannah, GA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$48K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$52K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
5.4 yrs
in Savannah
Cost of Living
95
index (100 = avg)
Special Education in Savannah, GA Overview
Savannah, Georgia (pop. 147,780) has 12 colleges offering Special Education programs. The local cost of living index of 95 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,169/month. Special Education has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for IEP Development and Adaptive Instruction skills. The adjusted starting salary in Savannah is approximately $47,500.
Category
Education
Local Colleges
12
Public Tuition
$6,268/yr
Private Tuition
$39,765/yr
Room & Board
$13,088/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$9,756/yr
Unemployment
6.4%
Graduation Rate
64%
Special Education Salary in Savannah (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Savannah's cost of living index of 95 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Special Education salary: $50,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $62,000 senior level.Savannah adjustment factor: 0.95x based on the local cost of living index.
Special Education ROI Calculator for Savannah
Estimate your return on investment for a Special Education degree using local Savannah tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $6,268 | Private avg: $39,765
Savannah avg aid: $9,756/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$77,424
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$14,250
vs HS diploma in Savannah
ROI Payback Period
5.4 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Savannah
$207,576
Lifetime earnings premium ($285,000) minus total education cost ($77,424)
Student Loan Payoff for Special Education in Savannah
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Savannah for Special Education
Savannah College of Art and Design
private
$39,765/yr
$159,060 total
Savannah State University
public
$6,268/yr
$25,072 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Savannah Technical College
$3,152/yr
Top Employers for Special Education in Savannah
Savannah offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Special Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Savannah Hiring Sectors for Education
School districts
Universities
EdTech companies
Non-profits
Training organizations
Common Special Education Job Titles
Special Education in Nearby Georgia Cities
Atlanta, GA
$51K starting · COL 101
23 colleges
Columbus, GA
$42K starting · COL 84.5
8 colleges
Augusta, GA
$42K starting · COL 83
11 colleges
Macon, GA
$51K starting · COL 101
13 colleges
Athens, GA
$52K starting · COL 103
11 colleges
Sandy Springs, GA
$56K starting · COL 112.5
5 colleges
Roswell, GA
$54K starting · COL 108.2
4 colleges
Johns Creek, GA
$56K starting · COL 112.8
4 colleges
Other Education Majors in Savannah
Instructional Design & Technology
$48K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Educational Psychology
$48K starting · 5 yr ROI
Higher Education Administration
$48K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Elementary Education
$48K starting · 5 yr ROI
Music Education
$48K starting · 6 yr ROI
Physical Education
$48K starting · 5 yr ROI
Early Childhood Education
$48K starting · 6 yr ROI
Education
$0 starting · 0 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Special Education degree outcomes in Savannah, GA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Special Education programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Georgia.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Savannah using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Special Education graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Special Education career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Special Education grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Savannah Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Georgia students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Georgia programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "georgia higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Special Education Degree in Savannah — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Special Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Savannah.