Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota's Special Education and Teaching programs show striking cost differences, with Saint Cloud State University offering the lowest net price at $14,485 while Bethel University reaches $28,439. Despite this $14,000 gap, earnings across programs remain relatively stable, ranging from $39,153 to $44,170 annually. The state's commitment to inclusive education aligns with major employers like Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth, which increasingly value accessibility specialists. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with four of the five lowest-cost programs coming from the Minnesota State system. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Metropolitan State's 38.4% to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' impressive 84.8%.

Programs

$14,485 – $28,439

Net Price Range

$41,549

Avg. Program Earnings

58.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$42,458	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
2	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$41,937	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
3	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$41,667	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
4	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$39,153	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
5	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$39,909	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
6	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$44,170	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
7	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680		$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
8	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439		$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
9	Martin Luther College New Ulm, Minnesota	$20,483		$17,770	71.4%	83.7%
10	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181		$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
11	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139		$16,488	84.8%	74.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Cloud State University such good value for Special Education?

Saint Cloud State offers the lowest net cost at $14,485 while maintaining competitive earnings of $42,458 for graduates. The university accepts 95.28% of applicants and keeps student debt manageable at $21,650, making it accessible for students seeking affordable teacher preparation.

How do private colleges compare to public options for Special Education in Minnesota?

Private colleges like Augsburg University cost significantly more, with net prices around $23,875 compared to public options averaging $16,000. However, Augsburg graduates earn the highest salaries at $44,170, and smaller private schools like Martin Luther College achieve strong 71.4% graduation rates.

Is the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities worth the higher cost for this major?

The U of M's net cost of $17,139 sits in the middle range, but graduates achieve an strong 84.8% graduation rate. Students also benefit from lower debt levels at $16,220 and access to the Twin Cities' extensive special education job market.

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

The Twin Cities metro area offers the most opportunities, with major healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic and large school districts requiring special education specialists. Rural areas also show strong demand, with graduates from schools like Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall finding positions in underserved communities.

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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.