Skip to main content

Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Ohio

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

Youngstown State University stands out with a remarkably low $11,877 net cost for Special Education and Teaching students, making it Ohio's most affordable option by a significant margin. This creates an interesting contrast with the University of Cincinnati, where graduates earn $40,458 annually but face a much higher $23,156 net cost. Ohio's Special Education programs benefit from strong demand across the state's school districts, particularly in urban areas like Cleveland and Columbus where the Cleveland Municipal School District and Columbus City Schools actively recruit teachers with specialized training. The earnings spread among graduates ranges from $30,771 at Toledo to over $40,000 at Cincinnati, reflecting the varied opportunities across Ohio's educational market. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with seven of the top ten spots offering in-state tuition under $15,000. However, private options like Bluffton University at $17,430 net cost still compete effectively against some public alternatives. The 52.9% graduation rate at Youngstown State shows that affordability doesn't guarantee completion, while Ohio State's 87.7% rate demonstrates how selectivity and resources can impact student success in teacher preparation programs.
43
Programs
$4,503 – $32,342
Net Price Range
$34,577
Avg. Program Earnings
52.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,877 $31,178 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
2 $14,981 $33,592 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
3 $15,389 $31,852 $9,622 43.0%
4 $18,292 $37,028 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
5 $17,430 $35,060 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
6 $19,476 $36,131 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
7 $20,413 $36,085 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
8 $17,460 $30,771 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
9 $19,614 $34,388 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
10 $23,156 $40,458 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
11 $20,004 $34,633 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
12 $20,204 $33,281 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
13 $20,477 $33,459 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
14 $20,918 $33,367 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
15 $21,812 $33,993 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
16 $23,585 $36,560 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
17 $21,994 $33,714 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
18 $22,539 $33,281 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
19 $22,881 $32,035 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
20 $27,662 $37,208 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
21 $31,236 $38,048 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
22 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
23 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
24 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
25 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
26 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
27 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
28 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
29 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
30 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
31 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
32 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
33 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
34 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
35 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
36 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
37 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
38 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
39 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
40 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
41 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
42 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
43 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Youngstown State University such a strong value for Special Education majors?

Youngstown State offers the lowest net cost at $11,877 while maintaining reasonable earnings potential at $31,178 for graduates. The university accepts 80.6% of applicants, making it accessible to most students. However, the 52.9% graduation rate indicates students need strong self-motivation to complete the program successfully.

How much can Special Education teachers expect to earn after graduating from Ohio programs?

Graduate earnings range from $30,771 at the University of Toledo to $40,458 at the University of Cincinnati. Most programs fall between $33,000-$37,000 annually, with Ohio State graduates earning $37,028. The higher earnings at Cincinnati reflect the competitive urban job market and the university's strong regional employer connections.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private Special Education programs in Ohio?

Public universities offer substantially better value, with net costs ranging from $11,877 to $23,156 compared to private institutions that typically cost $17,430-$21,812. However, private schools like Bluffton University at $17,430 can compete with mid-tier public options. In-state tuition at public universities ranges from just $9,622 at Shawnee State to $14,081 at Bowling Green.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Ohio Special Education programs?

Not necessarily - Ohio State has the highest graduation rate at 87.7% with a moderate $18,292 net cost, while expensive private options like Notre Dame College show only 36.6% completion rates. Shawnee State has the lowest completion rate at 43% despite reasonable costs. The University of Cincinnati balances strong outcomes with higher investment, graduating 71.5% of students.

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

Cincinnati graduates earn the highest salaries at $40,458, benefiting from the city's large school districts and competitive market. Columbus area programs like Ohio State and Ohio Dominican also show strong earnings in the $36,000-$37,000 range. Rural areas served by schools like Shawnee State typically offer lower starting salaries around $31,852 but may have less competition for positions.

More Special Education and Teaching Rankings

Cheapest Special Education and Teaching in Ohio Special Education and Teaching Under $20,000 in Ohio

Related

All Special Education and Teaching Programs Best Colleges in Ohio Best Special Education and Teaching in Ohio

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.