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Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University breaks the pattern for special education programs in Illinois, offering students a net price of just $8,837 despite its private status. This places it thousands below public alternatives like Northern Illinois University at $12,909 and Northeastern Illinois University at $13,550. The state's 20 programs span a remarkable price range from Millikin's bargain rate to $21,063 at the high end. Illinois special education teachers find strong employment prospects in Chicago's large school districts and throughout the state's rural communities, where teacher shortages create immediate job openings. Graduation rates vary significantly across programs, with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign achieving 84.90% compared to Northeastern Illinois University's concerning 16.80%. Earnings potential reaches $52,107 for graduates from Northeastern Illinois University, while Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates start at $36,176. The state's MAP Grant program provides important financial support for low-income students pursuing teaching degrees, making these already affordable programs even more accessible to future educators.
30
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$42,232
Avg. Program Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
3 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
4 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
5 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
7 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
8 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
9 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
10 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
11 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
12 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
13 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
14 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
15 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
16 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
17 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
18 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
19 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
20 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
21 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
22 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
23 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
24 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
25 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
26 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
27 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
28 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
29 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
30 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University the cheapest special education program in Illinois?

Millikin University offers a net price of $8,837 for special education students, substantially lower than other private institutions in the state. The university provides significant financial aid that reduces the published tuition of $26,892 to this affordable level. This makes it cheaper than even public universities like Western Illinois University at $11,592. The program maintains a solid 59.10% graduation rate while accepting 75.40% of applicants.

How do earnings vary among Illinois special education graduates?

Special education teacher salaries in Illinois range from $36,176 to $52,107 depending on the program. Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn the highest at $52,107, likely reflecting Chicago's higher teacher salaries and cost of living. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates start at $36,176, while Northern Illinois University graduates earn $43,277. These figures reflect both regional salary differences and the varying preparation quality across programs.

Is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost for special education?

UIUC charges $15,201 net price but delivers an impressive 84.90% graduation rate, the highest among Illinois special education programs. Graduates earn $44,170 and carry manageable debt of $18,925 upon graduation. The acceptance rate of just 44.82% makes it the most selective program, suggesting rigorous academic standards. The combination of high graduation rates and strong earning potential justifies the premium over cheaper alternatives.

Does Northeastern Illinois University's low graduation rate affect job prospects?

Northeastern Illinois University shows a troubling 16.80% graduation rate, the lowest among all programs listed. However, students who do complete the program earn $52,107, the highest salary range in the state. The net price of $13,550 makes it affordable, but the extremely low completion rate suggests significant academic or support challenges. Prospective students should carefully consider this risk against the potential high earnings.

Where can special education teachers find the best job markets in Illinois?

Chicago's large school districts offer the highest salaries for special education teachers, reflected in Northeastern Illinois University graduates earning $52,107. Rural districts throughout Illinois face teacher shortages, creating immediate job opportunities for new graduates. The state's manufacturing regions around Rockford and Peoria also need special education teachers for their growing populations. Illinois schools serve over 2 million students, with approximately 13% requiring special education services.

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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.