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Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Tennessee

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

Special education teachers in Tennessee face a surprising earnings gap that spans nearly $13,000 across programs, with University of Memphis graduates earning $39,125 while UT-Knoxville graduates start at $26,353. This disparity reflects Tennessee's complex education market, where rural districts often struggle with teacher shortages while urban areas like Nashville and Memphis compete for qualified special education professionals. The state's emphasis on inclusive education, driven by major healthcare employers like HCA Healthcare, creates steady demand for special education teachers across Tennessee's 147 school districts. Public programs dominate the value equation, with UT-Martin offering the lowest net cost at $10,299 and Middle Tennessee State providing solid earning potential at $35,416 with manageable debt loads. Private options like Lee University achieve 60.7% graduation rates but require significantly higher investment, while Vanderbilt's 92.7% graduation rate comes with premium pricing that may not align with typical special education salary scales.
25
Programs
$8,992 – $26,815
Net Price Range
$35,429
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,253 $39,125 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
2 $12,599 $35,416 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
3 $14,846 $36,398 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
4 $15,794 $36,848 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
5 $14,207 $33,138 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
6 $18,661 $37,054 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
7 $20,399 $39,099 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
8 $18,109 $26,353 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
9 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
10 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
11 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
12 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
13 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
14 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
15 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
16 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
17 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
18 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
19 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
20 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
21 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
22 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
23 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
24 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
25 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,000 earnings gap between Tennessee special education programs?

University of Memphis graduates earn $39,125 annually while UT-Knoxville graduates start at $26,353, reflecting different placement patterns and specialization tracks. Memphis benefits from urban district partnerships and higher pay scales, while UT-Knoxville's lower earnings may reflect rural placements or different certification paths. Middle Tennessee State graduates earn $35,416, suggesting that program location and district partnerships significantly influence starting salaries. Regional cost of living also plays a role, with Memphis and Nashville offering higher compensation packages.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt achieves 92.7% graduation rates with a $19,040 net cost, while more affordable options show mixed results. UT-Knoxville reaches 73.5% graduation rates at $18,109 net cost, demonstrating strong outcomes at reasonable prices. However, Tusculum University shows only 30.5% graduation rates despite a $22,874 net cost, highlighting that higher prices don't guarantee better completion rates. Public universities generally offer better value propositions with graduation rates between 44.5% and 73.5%.

Is Tennessee Promise affecting special education program enrollment?

Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition, creating pathways into four-year special education programs through transfer agreements. This program reduces initial costs and debt loads for students who complete prerequisites at two-year institutions before transferring to programs like Middle Tennessee State or Austin Peay. The initiative particularly benefits students from low-income families who might otherwise avoid education majors due to cost concerns. Transfer students often show strong commitment to teaching careers, having already invested time in education coursework.

Does Tennessee's job market support special education graduates effectively?

Tennessee employs approximately 8,000 special education teachers across 147 school districts, with chronic shortages in rural areas creating immediate job opportunities. The state's major healthcare employers like HCA Healthcare drive demand for school-based therapy services and inclusion specialists. Nashville and Memphis districts offer starting salaries around $45,000-$50,000, while rural districts may start closer to $35,000 but often provide signing bonuses. Tennessee's no state income tax policy effectively increases take-home pay for all teachers.

Where do Tennessee special education graduates find the best career opportunities?

Memphis City Schools and Nashville Metro Public Schools offer the highest salaries, with Memphis graduates earning $39,125 on average according to program data. East Tennessee regions around Knoxville and Johnson City provide good work-life balance with moderate salaries around $36,848. Rural districts across Middle Tennessee actively recruit special education teachers with incentives like loan forgiveness and housing assistance. The state's emphasis on inclusive education creates opportunities in both traditional classroom settings and specialized therapeutic programs.

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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.