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Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Iowa

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

University of Iowa delivers strong value for future special education teachers with net costs around $21,398 while maintaining a 73% graduation rate. The gap between Iowa's most and least expensive programs spans only $7,062, making quality teacher preparation accessible statewide. With Iowa's rural school districts facing ongoing teacher shortages and the state's commitment to inclusive education models, graduates find strong demand across agricultural communities where specialized support services remain critical.
6
Programs
$18,321 – $25,383
Net Price Range
57.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
2 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
3 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
4 $23,172 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
5 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
6 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the significant cost difference between public and private programs?

University of Iowa charges just $10,964 for in-state tuition compared to private institutions like Buena Vista at $40,190. However, financial aid narrows the actual cost gap to roughly $3,000-7,000 in net price, making private options more competitive than sticker prices suggest.

How do graduation rates vary among Iowa's most affordable options?

University of Iowa leads with a 73% graduation rate, while Upper Iowa University graduates only 42% of students despite similar net costs around $23,000. Northwestern College and Dordt University both achieve graduation rates above 63% for students paying approximately $24,000-25,000 annually.

Where do most special education graduates find employment in Iowa?

Iowa's 333 school districts actively recruit special education teachers, with rural areas offering signing bonuses up to $5,000. The state's emphasis on mainstreaming students with disabilities creates demand in both traditional classroom settings and specialized resource centers throughout agricultural regions.

More Special Education and Teaching Rankings

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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.