Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Indiana

Indiana University-Southeast offers the state's most affordable Special Education and Teaching program at just $8,257 net cost, while Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn $41,995 annually - creating a $26,653 earnings gap across programs. This range reflects the varied pathways available in a state where healthcare systems like Indiana University Health and pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly drive demand for educational support specialists. The 17 programs span from community-focused institutions like Vincennes University to research universities, with public options averaging significantly lower costs than private alternatives. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from 33.4% at regional campuses to over 80% at flagship institutions, suggesting that program choice impacts both immediate costs and long-term career preparation in Indiana's education sector.

Programs

$8,257 – $43,465

Net Price Range

$36,740

Avg. Program Earnings

59.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Vincennes University Vincennes, Indiana	$10,215	$32,925	$6,886	34.7%
2	Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana	$12,188	$37,568	$9,992	41.1%	92.3%
3	University of Southern Indiana Evansville, Indiana	$12,621	$37,208	$10,136	52.0%	94.4%
4	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, Indiana	$15,342	$41,995	$11,790	81.2%	82.4%
5	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710	$37,363	$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
6	Ball State University Muncie, Indiana	$15,898	$41,457	$10,758	63.3%	69.0%
7	Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, Indiana	$18,406	$32,925	$30,034	69.9%	84.6%
8	Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, Indiana	$23,069	$36,294	$31,168	66.3%	86.7%
9	Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana	$43,465	$32,925	$33,490	52.3%	78.2%
10	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945		$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
11	University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$20,361		$35,420	60.7%	98.1%
12	Oakland City University Oakland City, Indiana	$12,820		$27,150	70.0%	55.7%
13	Marian University Indianapolis, Indiana	$23,594		$39,100	60.9%	93.8%
14	Indiana University-Southeast New Albany, Indiana	$8,257		$8,179	33.4%	85.2%
15	Indiana University-South Bend South Bend, Indiana	$8,364		$8,179	35.7%	86.9%
16	Goshen College Goshen, Indiana	$15,725		$37,760	60.5%	93.5%
17	University of Evansville Evansville, Indiana	$20,230		$42,676	71.3%	76.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $35,208 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College charges $43,465 net cost compared to Indiana University-Southeast's $8,257, primarily reflecting private versus public funding models. Private institutions like Indiana Wesleyan and Marian University average over $20,000 annually, while public regional campuses stay below $15,000. However, higher-cost programs often provide smaller class sizes and specialized resources that can justify the investment for some students.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Special Education?

Indiana University-Bloomington combines moderate costs ($15,342) with the highest graduation rate at 81.2%, while the most affordable option at IU-Southeast achieves only 33.4% completion. Private colleges like Grace College reach 69.9% graduation rates but cost significantly more. This suggests that mid-range public universities may offer the best balance of affordability and student success in Special Education programs.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment for Indiana Special Education teachers?

Graduates earn between $32,925 and $41,995 annually, with Indiana University-Bloomington and Ball State University producing the highest-earning teachers at over $41,000. Even accounting for student debt ranging from $19,500 to $27,000, most programs provide positive return on investment within five years. The state's strong healthcare and education sectors, anchored by employers like Eli Lilly and IU Health, support steady demand for special education professionals.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Indiana's Special Education programs?

Purdue University maintains the most selective program at 52.7% acceptance while achieving 83.1% graduation rates, suggesting academic rigor correlates with student outcomes. Meanwhile, highly accessible programs like University of Saint Francis (98.06% acceptance) still achieve 60.7% graduation rates. Most Indiana programs accept over 80% of applicants, reflecting the state's commitment to addressing teacher shortages while maintaining educational standards.

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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.