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Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges

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

Special education teaching programs span an unusual cost spectrum, with St Petersburg College in Florida actually paying students $52 after financial aid while private institutions reach $6,351 annually. Public colleges dominate the affordability market, particularly in New York where CUNY schools claim five of the top fifteen spots despite being located in one of the nation's costliest metropolitan areas. The earnings potential remains steady across programs, ranging from $38,769 to $44,747, reflecting the consistent demand for special education teachers nationwide. Federal data shows shortages in special education positions across 49 states, creating job security that justifies even modest educational investments. Community colleges like Chipola in Florida prove that smaller institutions can deliver strong outcomes, graduating 61.3% of their special education students compared to larger universities that often struggle to reach 50%. Geographic diversity matters less than institutional efficiency, as evidenced by Northern Marianas College competing effectively with mainland programs despite its remote Pacific location.
50
Programs
$-52 – $8,837
Net Price Range
$37,035
Avg. Program Earnings
41.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $832 $3,120 61.3%
3 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
4 $2,795 $4,038 42.2%
5 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
6 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
7 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
8 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
9 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
10 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
11 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
12 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
13 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
14 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
15 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
16 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
17 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
18 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
19 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
20 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
21 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
22 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
23 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
24 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
25 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
26 $7,075 $4,714
27 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
28 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
29 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
30 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
31 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
32 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
33 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
34 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
35 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
36 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
37 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
38 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
39 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
40 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
41 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
42 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
43 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
44 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
45 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
46 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
47 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
48 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
49 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
50 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

St Petersburg College provides students with a net gain of $52 after all financial aid is applied to tuition and fees. This means the college's aid package exceeds the actual cost of attendance by this amount. The school maintains a 37.5% graduation rate while offering one of the most accessible entry points into special education teaching. Students essentially get paid to attend while earning credentials for a field with consistent job demand.

How do CUNY schools compare for special education affordability?

Five CUNY campuses rank among the nation's most affordable special education programs, with net costs ranging from $2,446 at Hunter College to $5,881 at Medgar Evers College. Hunter College leads with a 61% graduation rate and competitive 47.86% acceptance rate. Baruch College achieves the highest graduation rate at 72.1% among CUNY options, while Brooklyn College balances solid outcomes with moderate selectivity at 54.54% acceptance.

Is there a significant earnings difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The earnings gap between programs remains relatively narrow, spanning just $5,978 from $38,769 to $44,747 annually. Texas A&M International University produces the highest-earning graduates at $44,747 despite charging only $3,061 net cost. Indian River State College graduates earn $38,769 while paying $5,202 net, showing that program cost doesn't directly correlate with salary outcomes. This consistency reflects standardized certification requirements across states.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in special education?

Graduation rates vary dramatically regardless of cost, ranging from 19.3% at Ohio University-Southern Campus to 72.1% at CUNY Baruch College. Chipola College achieves a strong 61.3% graduation rate while charging just $832 net cost. Meanwhile, expensive Ohio University campuses struggle with completion rates below 21% despite charging over $4,500. Student support services and institutional focus appear more important than tuition levels for program completion.

Where can students find the best value in special education programs?

Florida emerges as the top value state, offering both the lowest net cost at St Petersburg College and solid earnings potential at Indian River State College. CUNY schools in New York provide excellent value despite higher living costs, with Hunter College delivering strong outcomes for $2,446 annually. Texas A&M International University stands out for producing the highest-earning graduates at $44,747 while maintaining reasonable costs. Community colleges consistently outperform regional university branches in both affordability and completion rates.

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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.