Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Indiana

Special education teachers entering Indiana's workforce through the state's most affordable programs can expect starting salaries ranging from $32,925 to $41,995, with Indiana University-Southeast offering the lowest net cost at just $8,257. The gap between public and private options spans dramatically, as Purdue's $13,945 net cost sits $29,124 below the most expensive private program. Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program helps bridge this affordability gap for qualifying students, while the state's healthcare sector, anchored by Indiana University Health system, creates steady demand for special education professionals. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, with some affordable public options like Indiana University-Southeast showing 33.4% completion rates, while pricier private schools often exceed 60%. The manufacturing economy, led by employers like Eli Lilly and Cummins, generates additional opportunities for special education teachers in corporate training and employee assistance programs.

Programs

$8,257 – $43,465

Net Price Range

$36,740

Avg. Program Earnings

59.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Indiana University-Southeast New Albany, Indiana	$8,257	$8,179	33.4%	85.2%
2	Indiana University-South Bend South Bend, Indiana	$8,364	$8,179	35.7%	86.9%
3	Vincennes University Vincennes, Indiana	$10,215	$6,886	34.7%
4	Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana	$12,188	$9,992	41.1%	92.3%
5	University of Southern Indiana Evansville, Indiana	$12,621	$10,136	52.0%	94.4%
6	Oakland City University Oakland City, Indiana	$12,820	$27,150	70.0%	55.7%
7	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710	$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
8	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
9	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, Indiana	$15,342	$11,790	81.2%	82.4%
10	Goshen College Goshen, Indiana	$15,725	$37,760	60.5%	93.5%
11	Ball State University Muncie, Indiana	$15,898	$10,758	63.3%	69.0%
12	Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, Indiana	$18,406	$30,034	69.9%	84.6%
13	University of Evansville Evansville, Indiana	$20,230	$42,676	71.3%	76.3%
14	University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$20,361	$35,420	60.7%	98.1%
15	Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, Indiana	$23,069	$31,168	66.3%	86.7%
16	Marian University Indianapolis, Indiana	$23,594	$39,100	60.9%	93.8%
17	Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana	$43,465	$33,490	52.3%	78.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $35,208 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Indiana University-Southeast at $8,257 represents the most affordable option, while private institutions push costs significantly higher. Public universities benefit from state funding that keeps in-state tuition around $8,179 to $11,790. Private schools like University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne charge $35,420 in tuition alone, though financial aid brings the net cost down to $20,361 for many students.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Indiana?

Higher-cost private programs generally show better completion rates, with Oakland City University achieving 70% despite a $12,820 net cost. Public options vary widely, from Indiana University-Southeast's 33.4% to Purdue's strong 83.1% rate. Ball State University demonstrates solid value with a 63.3% graduation rate at $15,898 net cost, while Indiana State manages 41.1% completion at just $12,188.

Does Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program cover special education teacher preparation?

The 21st Century Scholars program covers tuition at participating Indiana colleges for eligible students, making expensive programs more accessible. Students qualifying for this aid could attend Indiana University-Bloomington's program, which produces graduates earning $41,995 annually, without paying the $11,790 sticker price. This program particularly benefits those entering special education, where starting salaries average $37,000 statewide.

Where do Indiana special education graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Indiana University Health system, the state's largest employer, creates demand for special education professionals in medical settings and therapy programs. Manufacturing companies like Eli Lilly and Cummins also hire special education teachers for workplace accommodation and training roles. School districts statewide maintain consistent hiring, with graduates from programs like Ball State University earning median salaries of $41,457 within their first few years.

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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.