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Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Missouri

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

University of Missouri-St Louis stands out among Missouri's special education programs, delivering the highest graduate earnings at $38,289 while maintaining the lowest net cost at just $12,323. This strong return on investment reflects strong demand for special education teachers across Missouri's school districts, particularly in the St Louis metropolitan area where BJC HealthCare and other major employers create family-friendly communities requiring specialized educational services. The 17 programs in Missouri show dramatic cost variation, with private institutions like Missouri Baptist University charging $25,807 compared to public options averaging around $14,000. Graduate debt loads remain manageable across most programs, typically under $25,000, while earnings potential ranges from $28,816 to $38,289. Missouri's A+ Scholarship program helps reduce undergraduate costs before students pursue specialized teaching credentials, making the state's public universities particularly attractive for future special educators.
17
Programs
$12,323 – $25,807
Net Price Range
$32,907
Avg. Program Earnings
51.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,323 $38,289 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
2 $14,824 $33,815 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
3 $15,336 $33,726 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
4 $14,532 $31,021 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
5 $14,774 $28,816 $6,960 100.0%
6 $18,251 $34,526 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
7 $17,502 $31,640 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
8 $19,889 $35,518 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
9 $25,477 $28,816 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
10 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
11 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
12 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
13 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
14 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
15 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
16 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
17 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Missouri-St Louis the top value for special education?

UMSL combines the lowest net cost at $12,323 with the highest graduate earnings at $38,289, creating an outstanding return on investment. The program maintains a 56.90% graduation rate with moderate admission selectivity at 51.11%. Located in Missouri's largest metropolitan area, graduates benefit from numerous employment opportunities across varied school districts and specialized education centers.

How do public and private program costs compare in Missouri?

Public universities average around $14,000 in net costs, while private institutions range from $14,774 at Central Methodist to $25,807 at Missouri Baptist University. In-state tuition at public schools stays below $15,000, with some as low as $9,024 at Missouri State Springfield. Private schools charge significantly more, with Rockhurst University reaching $43,420 in sticker price.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in special education?

Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better graduation rates in Missouri's special education field. University of Missouri-Columbia has the highest graduation rate at 76.20% with moderate costs, while expensive Rockhurst matches this at 75.60%. Some affordable options like Northwest Missouri State achieve 57.50% graduation rates. Lincoln University shows concerning outcomes with only 22.10% graduating.

Where do special education graduates find the best job prospects in Missouri?

The St Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas offer the strongest employment markets, with UMSL graduates earning $38,289 annually. Missouri's healthcare sector growth, led by companies like BJC HealthCare, creates demand for special education professionals in therapeutic and educational settings. Rural areas served by schools like Northwest Missouri State also need qualified teachers, though earnings average around $33,815.

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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.