Skip to main content
Berea College breaks the mold among Education, General programs by charging no tuition while maintaining competitive outcomes. This Kentucky institution requires just $4,483 in net costs annually, yet graduates earn $24,267 within six years of completion. The contrast with other affordable options proves striking when comparing Texas A&M University-Central Texas at $1,113 net cost to programs reaching $10,666 at the upper end. Education majors benefit from growing demand across the nation as school districts face teacher shortages in both urban and rural areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% growth in education occupations through 2031, faster than average for all occupations. Public universities dominate this affordability market, though private options like Berea demonstrate how modern funding models can make quality education accessible. Programs span from traditional four-year degrees to specialized tracks preparing teachers for varied classroom environments.
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 makes Berea College unique among affordable Education programs?

Berea College operates on a no-tuition model, requiring students to work on campus while studying. The net cost of $4,483 includes room, board, and fees, making it accessible to students regardless of financial background. Despite this affordability, the college maintains a 62% graduation rate and selective 24.58% acceptance rate. Graduates enter the workforce earning $24,267 annually, demonstrating strong career preparation.

How do public university costs compare for Education majors?

Public institutions show remarkable cost variation, from Texas A&M University-Central Texas at $1,113 net cost to University of Washington-Tacoma at $10,017. In-state tuition ranges from $2,700 at Colorado Mountain College to $12,817 at UW-Tacoma. Florida's public universities offer particularly strong value, with University of Florida combining $6,351 net costs with a 91.5% graduation rate. These differences often reflect state funding levels and regional living costs.

What graduation rates can students expect from affordable Education programs?

Graduation rates span a wide range among affordable Education programs, from 25.9% at Colorado Mountain College to 91.5% at University of Florida. Texas A&M University-Central Texas maintains a 95.71% acceptance rate, indicating open access policies. University of Florida-Online achieves a 77.7% graduation rate while serving distance learners. Students should research individual program support systems and student success initiatives when evaluating options.

Does earning potential vary significantly among these affordable programs?

Graduate earnings show considerable variation, with Purdue University Northwest leading at $41,342 annually for Education majors. Florida Atlantic University graduates earn $34,259, while Fairmont State University produces earnings of $28,816. Berea College graduates start at $24,267, though this reflects the college's mission-driven approach to education access. Regional job markets and specialization areas within education significantly influence starting salaries.

Where do the most affordable Education programs cluster geographically?

The most affordable options concentrate in the South and territories, with Texas A&M-Central Texas leading at $1,113 net cost. Pacific territories including Northern Marianas College and College of Micronesia offer low-cost alternatives at $2,795 and $7,012 respectively. Florida provides multiple affordable options through its public university system. Mountain states like Colorado also offer competitive pricing through community college systems transitioning to four-year degrees.

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