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Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

St Petersburg College breaks the mold for Special Education and Teaching programs by offering students a net gain of $52 rather than charging tuition, making it the clear standout in a field where costs typically range up to $13,550 annually. This Florida institution demonstrates how community colleges can provide pathways into special education careers without the financial burden that plagues higher education. The earnings potential across these 20 programs spans from $32,467 to $52,107, reflecting regional variations in teacher compensation and the growing demand for special education professionals nationwide. Federal data shows that over 7.3 million students receive special education services in U.S. public schools, creating sustained demand for qualified teachers. While graduation rates vary significantly from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 74.6% at University of South Florida, the financial accessibility of these programs makes them attractive options for career changers and first-generation college students. Texas A&M International University combines affordability with solid outcomes, charging just $3,061 net cost while graduates earn $44,747 annually. The data reveals that public institutions dominate this space, offering in-state tuition as low as $2,682 and providing clear return on investment for students entering this essential field.
50
Programs
$-52 – $15,201
Net Price Range
$39,278
Avg. Program Earnings
49.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $40,179 $2,682 37.5%
2 $3,061 $44,747 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $5,202 $38,769 $2,764 42.5%
4 $8,001 $45,383 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
5 $7,201 $38,649 $3,106 41.2%
6 $7,168 $36,131 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
7 $6,747 $32,467 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
8 $8,155 $36,848 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
9 $10,319 $44,102 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
10 $10,011 $41,789 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
11 $12,168 $49,855 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
12 $10,043 $39,860 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
13 $10,353 $40,017 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
14 $13,550 $52,107 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
15 $9,121 $34,615 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
16 $10,988 $41,565 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
17 $10,722 $40,419 $6,391 43.0%
18 $10,170 $36,848 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
19 $10,442 $37,484 $8,300 50.9%
20 $13,181 $46,673 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
21 $11,592 $40,500 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
22 $11,696 $40,821 $4,458 19.8% 93.6%
23 $10,785 $37,568 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
24 $12,909 $43,277 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
25 $9,900 $32,711 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
26 $9,962 $32,818 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
27 $10,916 $35,653 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
28 $13,091 $42,682 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
29 $10,089 $32,747 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
30 $10,215 $32,925 $6,886 34.7%
31 $14,715 $47,064 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
32 $11,401 $36,041 $8,280 37.7%
33 $12,514 $39,369 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
34 $12,091 $37,748 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
35 $12,323 $38,289 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
36 $6,507 $20,140 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
37 $12,188 $37,568 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
38 $11,800 $35,861 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
39 $12,869 $38,878 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
40 $14,294 $42,309 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
41 $13,253 $39,125 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
42 $12,621 $37,208 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
43 $11,298 $33,281 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
44 $14,485 $42,458 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
45 $13,816 $40,394 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
46 $15,201 $44,170 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
47 $13,726 $39,663 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
48 $15,089 $43,240 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
49 $13,670 $38,937 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
50 $14,760 $41,937 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College such an unusual value for Special Education and Teaching?

St Petersburg College provides students with a net gain of $52, meaning financial aid exceeds the cost of attendance. This creates a unique situation where students can earn their Special Education and Teaching credentials while receiving money rather than accumulating debt. Graduates earn $40,179 annually, providing a solid return on what is essentially a paid education experience.

How do graduation rates affect the value proposition of these programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically across these Special Education programs, from just 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 74.6% at University of South Florida. Students at higher-performing institutions like Florida Atlantic University achieve a 64.3% graduation rate while paying only $8,001 net cost. The combination of completion likelihood and affordability makes schools like University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University particularly strong choices.

Where do Special Education graduates earn the highest salaries relative to program cost?

Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn the highest salaries at $52,107 annually, though the program costs $13,550 and has a low 16.8% graduation rate. Kean University offers a better balance with graduates earning $49,855 while paying $12,168 net cost and achieving a 43.4% graduation rate. Texas A&M International University provides excellent value with $44,747 in earnings for just $3,061 in net costs.

Does student debt significantly impact the value of these Special Education programs?

Student debt levels vary considerably, with University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates carrying just $9,500 in debt compared to Northern Kentucky University graduates who owe $27,000. Lower debt levels at schools like New Mexico State University ($16,996) and Texas A&M International University ($18,229) improve the overall financial return. The debt-to-earnings ratio becomes important when starting salaries range from $32,467 to $52,107.

What acceptance rates should students expect at these Special Education programs?

Acceptance rates span from 43.93% at University of South Florida to 86.01% at Northern Kentucky University, giving students multiple options based on their academic profile. Schools like Florida Atlantic University (81.32% acceptance) and University of Nevada-Las Vegas (85.31% acceptance) offer relatively easy admission while maintaining reasonable costs. Texas A&M International University accepts just 47.88% of applicants but provides strong value for admitted students.

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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.