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Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

West Chester University produces Pennsylvania's highest-earning special education graduates at $45,867 annually, while East Stroudsburg University delivers the lowest net cost at just $15,089. This gap between public university costs and outcomes creates distinct value propositions across Pennsylvania's 15 special education programs. The earnings spread from $30,047 to $45,867 reflects Pennsylvania's varied educational market, where UPMC's healthcare network and the state's expanding autism services create growing demand for special education professionals. Public universities dominate the value rankings, with five of the top seven spots offering net costs below $22,000. However, graduation rates tell a different story, ranging from 41.2% at Keystone College to 72.5% at Lebanon Valley College. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps reduce costs for in-state students, making public options particularly attractive. The state's pharmaceutical industry, including companies developing autism treatments, adds another employment dimension for special education graduates beyond traditional classroom roles.
37
Programs
$9,837 – $35,487
Net Price Range
$38,843
Avg. Program Earnings
58.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,089 $43,240 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
2 $17,216 $41,087 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $19,685 $42,905 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
4 $20,231 $42,961 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
5 $22,673 $45,867 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
6 $21,409 $43,240 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
7 $21,205 $41,037 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
8 $19,524 $36,668 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
9 $21,461 $38,289 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
10 $22,746 $36,848 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
11 $28,132 $43,798 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
12 $24,051 $36,941 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
13 $25,747 $36,848 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
14 $25,866 $32,925 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
15 $28,329 $34,704 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
16 $28,714 $32,925 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
17 $27,263 $30,047 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
18 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
19 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
20 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
21 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
22 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
23 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
24 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
25 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
26 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
27 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
28 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
29 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
30 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
31 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
32 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
33 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
34 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
35 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
36 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
37 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $30,000 cost difference between the most and least expensive programs?

The gap stems from public versus private funding models. East Stroudsburg University costs $15,089 net while Lebanon Valley College reaches $28,132. Public universities benefit from state funding, keeping in-state tuition around $11,000. Private institutions like Lebanon Valley charge $50,320 in sticker price but offer substantial aid to bring net costs down.

How do graduation rates vary among Pennsylvania special education programs?

Graduation rates span from 41.2% at Keystone College to 72.5% at Lebanon Valley College, a 31-point difference. Public universities show mixed results, with West Chester achieving 69.8% while East Stroudsburg manages 43.8%. The data suggests higher-cost programs generally achieve better completion rates, though exceptions exist like York College at 59.7%.

Is there a correlation between program cost and graduate earnings?

The relationship proves complex rather than linear. West Chester University produces the highest earners at $45,867 despite moderate costs, while expensive Lebanon Valley College graduates earn $43,798. East Stroudsburg delivers strong earnings of $43,240 at the lowest net cost. Location and regional job markets appear more influential than program price.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity or accessibility?

Most Pennsylvania special education programs maintain high acceptance rates above 90%, suggesting accessibility over selectivity. Only Alvernia University drops to 59% acceptance, while Kutztown accepts 96.1% of applicants. This pattern reflects the critical need for special education teachers rather than competitive admission standards typical in other fields.

Where do Pennsylvania special education graduates find employment beyond schools?

Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, led by UPMC, employs special education graduates in therapeutic roles and patient advocacy positions. The state's pharmaceutical companies developing autism treatments hire graduates for clinical support and family liaison roles. Early intervention programs and private therapy centers throughout Pennsylvania's metropolitan areas provide additional career paths beyond traditional classroom teaching.

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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.