Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Minnesota

Saint Cloud State University leads Minnesota's special education programs with a net cost of just $14,485, making it nearly $14,000 cheaper than Bethel University at the high end. The state's public universities dominate affordability rankings, with six programs under $19,000 annually. Minnesota's strong healthcare infrastructure, anchored by Mayo Clinic and other major medical centers, creates steady demand for special education professionals who often work alongside occupational therapists and speech pathologists. Graduates typically earn between $39,153 and $44,170, with Augsburg University graduates commanding the highest starting salaries despite the program's higher cost.

Programs

$14,485 – $28,439

Net Price Range

$41,549

Avg. Program Earnings

58.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
2	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
3	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
4	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
5	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
6	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
7	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
8	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
9	Martin Luther College New Ulm, Minnesota	$20,483	$17,770	71.4%	83.7%
10	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
11	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Cloud State the cheapest option for special education in Minnesota?

Saint Cloud State University offers the lowest net cost at $14,485 with an in-state tuition of just $10,117. The university accepts 95.28% of applicants, making it both affordable and accessible for students entering special education.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable and expensive programs?

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities achieves an 84.80% graduation rate at $17,139 net cost, significantly outperforming cheaper options like Southwest Minnesota State at 44.10%. Private schools like Martin Luther College reach 71.40% graduation rates but cost $20,483 annually.

Does attending a more expensive program lead to higher earnings?

Augsburg University graduates earn $44,170 annually despite paying $23,875 in net costs. However, Saint Cloud State graduates earn $42,458 while paying $9,390 less, suggesting cost doesn't always correlate with salary outcomes.

Where can special education teachers find the best debt-to-income ratios?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates carry just $16,220 in debt while the program costs $17,139 annually. Southwest Minnesota State graduates face $24,883 in debt but earn $41,937, creating a more challenging debt-to-income ratio.

More Special Education and Teaching Rankings

Best Value Special Education and Teaching in Minnesota Special Education and Teaching Under $20,000 in Minnesota

All Special Education and Teaching Programs Best Colleges in Minnesota Best Special Education and Teaching in Minnesota

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.