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Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Illinois

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

Western Illinois University delivers the strongest financial return for Special Education and Teaching majors in Illinois, with graduates earning $40,500 annually while paying just $11,592 in net costs. This creates an strong value proposition that stands out even more when compared to Loyola University Chicago, where students pay $35,196 for similar career outcomes. The earnings gap across Illinois programs spans from $36,176 to $52,107, with Northeastern Illinois University leading graduate salaries despite serving a high-need urban population. Illinois school districts face ongoing teacher shortages, particularly in special education roles, creating stable job prospects for program graduates. The state's MAP Grant program helps reduce costs at public universities, making programs like those at Western Illinois and Northern Illinois University particularly accessible. Chicago Public Schools, the nation's third-largest district, actively recruits special education teachers with competitive starting salaries and loan forgiveness options.
30
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$42,232
Avg. Program Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,550 $52,107 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
2 $11,592 $40,500 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
3 $12,909 $43,277 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
4 $15,201 $44,170 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $14,093 $39,317 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
6 $16,284 $43,798 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
7 $13,696 $36,176 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
8 $16,177 $41,441 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
9 $16,381 $40,458 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
10 $18,996 $43,584 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
11 $18,370 $38,289 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
12 $23,572 $40,402 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
13 $35,196 $45,500 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
14 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
15 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
16 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
17 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
18 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
19 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
20 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
21 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
22 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
23 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
24 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
25 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
26 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
27 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
28 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
29 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
30 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Western Illinois University such good value for Special Education majors?

Western Illinois University charges just $11,592 in net costs while graduates earn $40,500 annually, creating one of the best cost-to-earnings ratios in the state. The university maintains a 75% acceptance rate and achieves a 44.8% graduation rate. Students graduate with an average debt load of $22,896, which remains manageable given the earning potential in Illinois school districts.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for this major?

Public universities average around $14,000 in net costs compared to private institutions that range from $16,284 at University of St Francis to $35,196 at Loyola University Chicago. However, earnings remain fairly consistent across both sectors, with graduates typically earning between $36,176 and $52,107. The cost savings at public institutions like Western Illinois and Northern Illinois can exceed $20,000 annually while delivering similar career outcomes.

Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost for Special Education?

UIUC charges $15,201 in net costs and graduates earn $44,170, while maintaining an strong 84.9% graduation rate. Students graduate with lower debt at $18,925 compared to most other programs. The university's academic reputation and higher graduation rates may justify the additional cost over cheaper alternatives, especially for students planning advanced degrees.

Does Northeastern Illinois University provide strong job placement despite low graduation rates?

Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn the highest salaries at $52,107, suggesting strong employer demand for their graduates. However, the program reports only a 16.8% graduation rate, indicating significant academic challenges. The university serves Chicago's varied population and maintains close ties with Chicago Public Schools, which may explain the high graduate earnings despite completion concerns.

Where do Special Education graduates find the best job opportunities in Illinois?

Chicago Public Schools offers the largest job market with over 600 schools requiring special education teachers. Suburban districts around Chicago typically offer higher starting salaries, often exceeding $45,000 annually. Rural districts throughout Illinois also actively recruit special education teachers, sometimes offering loan forgiveness programs and housing assistance to attract qualified candidates.

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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.