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Special Education and Teaching Colleges Under $30,000

Programs with net price under $30,000. See our methodology.

Special Education and Teaching programs across the nation show remarkable cost efficiency, with St Petersburg College actually paying students $52 to attend after aid. This stark contrast to the national average college costs reflects how community colleges and state universities support teacher preparation. The field offers solid earning potential, with Texas A&M International University graduates earning $44,747 annually while keeping costs under $4,000. Florida emerges as a particularly teacher-friendly state, hosting three of the most affordable programs including St Petersburg College and Indian River State College. The CUNY system dominates the Northeast with six schools offering sub-$6,000 net costs, though graduation rates vary significantly from 22% at Medgar Evers to 72% at Baruch College. These programs prepare educators for America's growing need for special education teachers, a field experiencing national shortages that drive competitive salaries and job security. With federal legislation requiring individualized education programs, demand continues outpacing supply across urban and rural districts.
50
Programs
$-52 – $8,837
Net Price Range
$37,035
Avg. Program Earnings
41.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $832 $3,120 61.3%
3 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
4 $2,795 $4,038 42.2%
5 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
6 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
7 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
8 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
9 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
10 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
11 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
12 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
13 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
14 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
15 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
16 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
17 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
18 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
19 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
20 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
21 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
22 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
23 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
24 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
25 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
26 $7,075 $4,714
27 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
28 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
29 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
30 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
31 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
32 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
33 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
34 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
35 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
36 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
37 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
38 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
39 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
40 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
41 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
42 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
43 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
44 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
45 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
46 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
47 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
48 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
49 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
50 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's Special Education program cost negative $52?

St Petersburg College provides more financial aid than the total cost of attendance, effectively paying students $52 after covering tuition of $2,682. This reflects Florida's commitment to teacher preparation through generous state grants and federal Pell funding. The program maintains practical affordability with strong industry connections. However, the 37.5% graduation rate suggests students should prepare for academic rigor despite the financial benefits.

How do CUNY schools compare for Special Education Teaching programs?

Six CUNY campuses offer Special Education programs with net costs ranging from $2,446 at Hunter College to $5,881 at Medgar Evers College. Baruch College leads with a 72.1% graduation rate and accepts only 49.53% of applicants, making it the most selective. Hunter College balances strong outcomes with 61% graduation rates and 47.86% acceptance rates. These schools serve New York's massive special education system requiring over 20,000 certified teachers.

Is Texas A&M International University worth the higher cost for Special Education?

Texas A&M International University graduates earn $44,747 annually, the highest among affordable programs, while maintaining a $3,061 net cost. The 48.9% graduation rate exceeds many community college alternatives, and graduates carry $18,229 in debt. Located in Laredo, the program serves the Texas-Mexico border region where bilingual special education teachers command premium salaries. The investment pays off through higher starting salaries and career advancement opportunities.

Does Ohio University offer multiple affordable Special Education campuses?

Ohio University operates two affordable campuses for Special Education: Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville and Southern Campus in Ironton, both charging $6,178 in-state tuition. However, graduation rates remain concerning at 20% and 19.3% respectively, with graduates carrying $26,950 in debt. These regional campuses serve rural Ohio communities facing severe special education teacher shortages. Students should carefully consider the low completion rates against the convenience of local access.

Where do Special Education graduates earn the most relative to program costs?

Texas A&M International University offers the best earnings-to-cost ratio with $44,747 salaries against $3,061 net costs, delivering a 14.6-to-1 return. Indian River State College follows with $38,769 earnings for just $5,202 in costs, creating a 7.4-to-1 ratio. These programs serve regions with acute teacher shortages, driving up compensation. Florida and Texas both offer strong job markets with competitive salaries for certified special education teachers.

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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.