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Education Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Berea College stands out among affordable Education programs by charging a net cost of just $4,483 despite carrying a sticker price of $49,326 through its work-study model. This private Kentucky institution accepts only 24.58% of applicants while maintaining graduation rates that exceed many public alternatives. The broader market of affordable Education programs spans from Texas A&M University-Central Texas at $1,113 annually to schools approaching the $20,000 threshold. Public universities dominate this space, with institutions like University of Florida achieving 91.50% graduation rates at $6,351 net cost. Education graduates entering the national job market face growing demand, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in education occupations through 2031, driven by enrollment increases and teacher retirements. Earnings potential varies significantly, from $24,267 to $45,636 among tracked programs, reflecting differences in specialization, location, and degree completion rates.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $12,882
Net Price Range
$33,608
Avg. Program Earnings
48.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Education, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,795 $4,038 42.2%
3 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
4 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $6,342 $2,700 25.9%
6 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
7 $7,012 $5,050 29.5% 79.0%
8 $7,075 $4,714
9 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
10 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
11 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
12 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
13 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
14 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
15 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
16 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
17 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
18 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
19 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
20 $10,666 $7,584 46.8% 96.4%
21 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
22 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
23 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
24 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
25 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
26 $11,008 $32,305 45.7% 77.3%
27 $11,050 $6,840 14.2%
28 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
29 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
30 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
31 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
32 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
33 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
34 $11,401 $8,280 37.7%
35 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
36 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
37 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
38 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
39 $11,893 $19,920 39.8%
40 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
41 $12,233 $26,110 44.4% 97.0%
42 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
43 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
44 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
45 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
46 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
47 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
48 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
49 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
50 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Berea College and other affordable Education programs?

Berea College operates a unique work-study model where every student works on campus to offset educational costs. While the published tuition reaches $49,326, students pay just $4,483 net after work earnings and institutional aid. This private nonprofit serves low-income students exclusively, creating an unusual pricing structure. Most other affordable programs are public institutions with lower published tuition rates.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points in Education programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with University of Florida leading at 91.50% graduation rate and $6,351 net cost. Mid-range options like Florida Atlantic University achieve 64.30% graduation rates at $8,001 annually. Lower-cost community colleges like Colorado Mountain College show 25.90% graduation rates, reflecting their open-access mission and part-time student populations.

Is geographic location affecting the affordability of Education programs?

Regional patterns emerge clearly in program costs and outcomes. Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers the lowest net cost at $1,113, benefiting from Texas's strong public education funding. Pacific territories like Northern Marianas College and College of Micronesia provide extremely affordable options at $2,795 and $7,012 respectively. Traditional college towns often balance moderate costs with solid outcomes, as seen with University of Florida's combination of affordability and high graduation rates.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in affordable Education degrees?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically without clear quality patterns. Le Moyne-Owen College accepts 99.56% of applicants but graduates only 24.70% of students. University of Florida maintains selectivity at 23.35% acceptance while achieving 91.50% graduation rates. Berea College's 24.58% acceptance rate reflects its specialized mission rather than academic standards, as it specifically serves low-income students.

Where do Education graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment?

Graduates enter varied education sectors with earnings ranging from $24,267 to $45,636 annually. Florida Atlantic University graduates average $34,259, while Purdue University Northwest graduates earn $41,342, reflecting regional economic differences. Many find positions in public K-12 systems, community colleges, and educational support services. The national teacher shortage creates opportunities, with some states offering loan forgiveness and signing bonuses for new educators.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.