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Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Florida

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

St Petersburg College's Special Education and Teaching program offers an extraordinary financial advantage with a negative net price of $-52, meaning students actually receive more aid than the program costs. This remarkable affordability contrasts sharply with private institutions like Bethune-Cookman University at $14,892 annually. Florida's community colleges dominate the most affordable options, with four of the top five spots charging under $6,000 in net costs. The state's growing special needs student population creates strong demand for qualified educators across its 67 school districts. Graduates can expect starting salaries between $36,848 and $45,383, with Florida Atlantic University graduates earning the highest at $45,383 annually. The University of Florida maintains its selective 23.35% acceptance rate while keeping costs reasonable at $6,351 net price. Florida's lack of state income tax means special education teachers keep more of their earnings compared to other states, making these affordable programs even more valuable for long-term career prospects.
26
Programs
$-52 – $36,302
Net Price Range
$41,021
Avg. Program Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 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 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
4 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
5 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
6 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
7 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
8 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
9 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
10 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
11 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
12 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
13 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
14 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
15 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
16 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
17 $19,273 $14,300 44.2% 49.6%
18 $20,077 $2,830 36.1%
19 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
20 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
21 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
22 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
23 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
24 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
25 $31,885 $20,880 35.6% 33.7%
26 $36,302 $13,128 60.0% 88.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

St Petersburg College provides more financial aid than the program actually costs, resulting in students receiving $52 back after all expenses. This occurs when federal Pell Grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships exceed tuition and fees. The college's in-state tuition of $2,682 combined with generous aid packages creates this unusual financial benefit. Students essentially get paid to attend this Special Education and Teaching program.

How do graduation rates vary among Florida's affordable programs?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 27.80% at Bethune-Cookman University to 91.50% at the University of Florida. Community colleges like St Petersburg College show 37.50% completion rates, typical for two-year institutions where students often transfer. Four-year universities generally achieve higher rates, with Florida State at 83% and University of Central Florida at 75.10%. The $6,000 price difference between top and bottom performers suggests cost alone doesn't determine success rates.

Does earning potential justify the cost differences between schools?

Florida Atlantic University graduates earn $45,383 annually despite the program costing $8,001, while University of West Florida graduates earn $36,848 with similar costs at $8,155. The $8,535 salary difference between highest and lowest earners creates significant long-term value variations. Graduates from more expensive programs don't automatically earn more, as evidenced by comparable salaries across different price points. The career return on investment varies considerably depending on school choice and individual circumstances.

Is financial aid availability different at Florida's public versus private colleges?

Public institutions dominate the most affordable options with 14 of the top 15 spots, while Bethune-Cookman University represents the sole private option at $14,892. Public colleges benefit from state funding that keeps base tuition low, with in-state rates averaging $4,500 across the list. Private institutions rely more heavily on institutional scholarships but still cost significantly more after aid. Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program particularly benefits public school students, creating additional savings for high achievers.

Where do Special Education graduates find employment in Florida?

Florida's 67 school districts employ the majority of special education teachers, with large systems like Miami-Dade and Orange County offering numerous positions. The state's growing population and federal inclusion mandates create consistent demand across urban and rural areas. Private therapy centers, healthcare systems, and early intervention programs provide additional career paths beyond traditional K-12 settings. Florida's tourism industry also generates employment in hospitality programs serving individuals with disabilities.

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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.