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Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Florida

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

St Petersburg College achieves something remarkable in Florida's Special Education and Teaching market: students actually earn money while pursuing their degrees, with a net cost of negative $52. This stands in sharp contrast to Nova Southeastern University's $31,303 net price, creating a $31,355 gap between the state's most and least expensive options. Florida's teacher shortage, particularly acute in special education, has prompted districts statewide to offer signing bonuses and loan forgiveness programs that make these career paths increasingly attractive. The earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with graduates from Florida Atlantic University commanding the highest salaries at $45,383 annually, while University of West Florida graduates start at $36,848. Florida's lack of state income tax means these educators keep more of their paychecks compared to teachers in other states. Community colleges like Indian River State College offer affordable pathways with net costs around $5,202, making special education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. The state's growing population and federal mandates for special education services create steady demand for qualified professionals across Florida's 67 school districts.
26
Programs
$-52 – $36,302
Net Price Range
$41,021
Avg. Program Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 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 $5,202 $38,769 $2,764 42.5%
3 $8,001 $45,383 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
4 $7,201 $38,649 $3,106 41.2%
5 $8,155 $36,848 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
6 $10,319 $44,102 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
7 $10,043 $39,860 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
8 $10,353 $40,017 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
9 $20,077 $45,383 $2,830 36.1%
10 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
11 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
12 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
13 $19,273 $14,300 44.2% 49.6%
14 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
15 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
16 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
17 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
18 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
19 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
20 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
21 $31,885 $20,880 35.6% 33.7%
22 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
23 $832 $3,120 61.3%
24 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
25 $36,302 $13,128 60.0% 88.9%
26 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's program so affordable for special education students?

St Petersburg College shows a negative net cost of $52, meaning students receive more in financial aid than they pay in expenses. The in-state tuition of just $2,682 combined with federal and state grants creates this unusual situation. Community college partnerships with four-year universities allow students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring. Graduates earn $40,179 annually, providing solid return on minimal investment.

How do graduation rates vary between public and private special education programs?

Public universities show dramatic variation, with University of Florida leading at 91.5% graduation rates while community colleges like St Petersburg College achieve 37.5%. Private institutions cluster in the middle range, with Nova Southeastern at 64.3% and Warner University at 34.9%. The data suggests that selectivity and resources significantly impact completion rates. Florida Atlantic University combines strong public value with a solid 64.3% graduation rate.

Is the $9,000 difference in starting salaries between schools significant for special education teachers?

The salary range from $36,848 at University of West Florida to $45,383 at Florida Atlantic University represents a meaningful $8,535 annual difference. Over a 30-year career, this gap compounds to over $250,000 in lifetime earnings before considering raises and promotions. Geographic factors within Florida influence these numbers, with South Florida and Central Florida districts typically offering higher compensation. Special education teachers also qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs after five years of service.

Does attending a more expensive private school improve earning potential in special education?

The data shows mixed results for private institutions in Florida's special education field. Nova Southeastern University costs $31,303 annually but doesn't provide salary data for comparison. Southeastern University charges $30,209 with graduates earning competitive salaries, though specific figures aren't available. Public universities like Florida Atlantic offer the best documented value proposition with moderate costs and top-tier earnings of $45,383. The teaching profession tends to standardize salaries based on experience rather than alma mater.

Where do Florida's special education graduates find the best job opportunities?

Florida's 67 school districts all require special education teachers, but metropolitan areas offer the most positions and highest pay. Orange County, Miami-Dade, and Broward County represent the largest employers with starting salaries often exceeding state averages. The state's 15% population growth over the past decade has created teacher shortages, particularly in special education where turnover reaches 25% annually. Private therapy centers, charter schools, and early intervention programs provide additional career paths beyond traditional public school settings.

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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.