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Cheapest Education Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

St Petersburg College breaks new ground in education affordability with a negative net price of $-52, meaning students actually receive money to attend their Education, Other program. This remarkable financial scenario contrasts sharply with the field's typical costs, where even budget-conscious options like CUNY Lehman College still require $3,482 annually. The earnings range spans from $28,381 to $34,769, reflecting the broad career paths available in specialized education roles beyond traditional K-12 teaching. These programs prepare graduates for positions in corporate training, educational technology, curriculum development, and adult education centers that serve America's growing need for workplace skill development. With 37% of students completing their degrees at the most affordable option, the data reveals how financial accessibility doesn't always correlate with completion rates. California leads with multiple affordable options, including Cal State Channel Islands at $9,792 and Cal Poly Pomona at $11,580, positioning the state as a key pipeline for education professionals who will support the nation's expanding training and development sector.
50
Programs
$-52 – $18,109
Net Price Range
$34,364
Avg. Program Earnings
51.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Education, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
3 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
4 $7,012 $5,050 29.5% 79.0%
5 $8,388 $7,220 18.2%
6 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
7 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
8 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
9 $10,028 $8,990 37.7% 97.0%
10 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
11 $10,865 $9,045 39.8% 99.2%
12 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
13 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
14 $11,893 $19,920 39.8%
15 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
16 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
17 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
18 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
19 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
20 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
21 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
22 $14,085 $18,382 46.6% 59.2%
23 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
24 $14,251 $5,934 22.8%
25 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
26 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
27 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
28 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
29 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
30 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
31 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
32 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
33 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
34 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
35 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
36 $15,402 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
37 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
38 $15,663 $11,398 32.3% 49.3%
39 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
40 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
41 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
42 $16,791 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
43 $17,052 $14,685 40.8% 53.6%
44 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
45 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
46 $17,339 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
47 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
48 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
49 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
50 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's Education program cost negative $52?

St Petersburg College's negative net price occurs when financial aid exceeds the total cost of attendance. Students receive $52 more in grants and aid than they pay for tuition, fees, and living expenses. The college's in-state tuition of $2,682 combined with federal and state aid packages creates this unusual financial benefit. This makes it the most affordable education program in the country.

How do graduation rates compare across these affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, ranging from 18.2% at Bethesda University to 66.7% at Cal Poly Pomona. University of Minnesota-Morris achieves a 61.9% completion rate despite charging $9,110 annually. Interestingly, some of the cheapest options like College of Micronesia-FSM show lower completion rates at 29.5%, while mid-priced programs often perform better academically.

Where do Education, Other graduates typically find employment?

Graduates earn between $28,381 and $34,769 annually in roles spanning corporate training, educational technology, and adult learning centers. Cal State Channel Islands graduates average $28,381, while the field's top earners reach $34,769. These positions often exist in major metropolitan areas where companies invest heavily in employee development programs. The growing emphasis on continuous learning in the workforce creates steady demand for these specialized education professionals.

Does attending a cheaper program mean lower earning potential?

The data shows no direct correlation between program cost and graduate earnings. Cal State Channel Islands, with a net price of $9,792, produces graduates earning $28,381 annually. Meanwhile, graduates from the field generally earn between $28,381 and $34,769 regardless of their program's cost. Success depends more on the specific career path and geographic location than the price paid for education.

Is student debt manageable in these affordable programs?

Student debt remains relatively low across these programs, with Cal State Channel Islands graduates carrying $14,467 and Cal Poly Pomona students owing $11,000. St Petersburg College students graduate with $27,072 in debt despite the negative net price, likely from previous educational expenses. These debt levels stay well below national averages, making Education, Other an accessible field for career changers and first-generation college students.

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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.