Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Georgia

South Georgia State College stands out with a remarkable $9,300 net price for Special Education and Teaching, nearly $2,500 less than the second most affordable option in the state. This dramatic cost advantage comes at a time when Georgia's public schools face teacher shortages, particularly in special education roles where the state reports over 1,200 unfilled positions annually. The 17 programs across Georgia show striking variation in outcomes, with University of Georgia graduates earning $40,394 compared to $33,281 at Valdosta State University. Georgia's HOPE Scholarship program helps bridge affordability gaps by covering full tuition at public institutions for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The state's growing metro areas, anchored by Atlanta's business sector, create demand for special education teachers in both urban districts and rural communities served by institutions like South Georgia State College in Douglas.

Programs

$9,300 – $20,893

Net Price Range

$37,838

Avg. Program Earnings

42.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	South Georgia State College Douglas, Georgia	$9,300	$2,970	20.3%
2	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
3	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008	$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
4	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
5	Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, Georgia	$11,696	$4,458	19.8%	93.6%
6	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
7	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052	$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
8	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
9	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
10	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$5,934	22.8%
11	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
12	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
13	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286	$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
14	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
15	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
16	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786	$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
17	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893	$30,680	41.5%	64.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Georgia State College so much cheaper than other programs?

South Georgia State College charges just $9,300 in net costs, significantly below the $10,785 at University of North Georgia, the next cheapest option. As a state college rather than a research university, it focuses on undergraduate education with lower overhead costs. The college serves rural South Georgia where living expenses remain modest compared to Atlanta or Athens. However, students should note the 20.30% graduation rate, which trails most other programs in the state.

How do earnings compare between the most and least expensive programs?

Georgia Gwinnett College graduates earn $40,821 despite the program costing just $11,696, making it one of the best value propositions in the state. In contrast, Valdosta State University graduates earn $33,281 at a similar $11,298 cost. University of Georgia, at $13,816, produces graduates earning $40,394, justifying its higher price point. The $7,540 earnings gap between highest and lowest demonstrates how school choice impacts long-term financial outcomes.

Does Georgia's HOPE Scholarship make private colleges competitive with public options?

Young Harris College costs $32,305 in published tuition but drops to $11,008 net price through financial aid, making it competitive with public universities. However, Shorter University at $24,044 published tuition still nets $16,286, considerably higher than most public options. HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at public colleges for qualifying students, creating a substantial advantage over private institutions. The scholarship program makes schools like Georgia Southwestern State University particularly attractive at just $4,980 in-state tuition.

Where do graduates find the best job prospects in Georgia's education market?

Metro Atlanta districts offer higher salaries and more special education positions, benefiting graduates from nearby Georgia State University and Georgia Gwinnett College. Rural areas served by institutions like South Georgia State College and Valdosta State University face critical teacher shortages but typically offer lower starting salaries. The state's film and tech industries also create opportunities in corporate training roles for special education graduates. University of Georgia's 87.20% graduation rate and strong alumni network provide additional career advantages throughout the state.

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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.