Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Missouri

Missouri offers special education programs at remarkably different price points, with University of Missouri-St Louis delivering the most affordable option at just $12,323 net cost while private institutions like Rockhurst University charge $23,165. The earnings data reveals an interesting pattern: graduates from the cheapest program at UM-St Louis actually earn the highest starting salaries at $38,289, significantly above the state average of $33,000 for special education teachers. This financial advantage matters in Missouri, where districts from Kansas City to rural counties actively recruit special education professionals to serve students with disabilities. The state's A+ Scholarship program helps many students start their education journey at community colleges before transferring to four-year programs. With 17 institutions offering special education training, Missouri provides multiple pathways into a field where demand consistently outpaces supply across the state's 518 school districts.

Programs

$12,323 – $25,807

Net Price Range

$32,907

Avg. Program Earnings

51.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$12,323	$13,440	56.9%	51.1%
2	Lincoln University Jefferson City, Missouri	$12,484	$9,290	22.1%
3	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$9,800	39.8%
4	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
5	Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Fayette, Missouri	$14,774	$6,960		100.0%
6	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824	$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
7	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
8	Avila University Kansas City, Missouri	$16,939	$38,672	42.6%	67.6%
9	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
10	Missouri Valley College Marshall, Missouri	$17,945	$23,000	24.5%	61.2%
11	Fontbonne University Saint Louis, Missouri	$18,251	$28,976	56.8%	94.4%
12	Lindenwood University Saint Charles, Missouri	$18,516	$21,100	50.3%	74.0%
13	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889	$14,130	76.2%	79.1%
14	William Woods University Fulton, Missouri	$22,270	$28,860	57.0%	61.5%
15	Rockhurst University Kansas City, Missouri	$23,165	$43,420	75.6%	66.5%
16	Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, Missouri	$25,477	$27,140	52.5%	97.9%
17	Missouri Baptist University Saint Louis, Missouri	$25,807	$33,122	48.2%	70.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Missouri-St Louis such a strong value for special education students?

UM-St Louis combines the lowest net cost at $12,323 with the highest graduate earnings at $38,289, creating an strong return on investment. The program maintains a 56.90% graduation rate with selective 51.11% acceptance standards. Students benefit from clinical placements throughout the St Louis metropolitan area, which includes numerous school districts actively hiring special education teachers.

How do public and private program costs compare in Missouri?

Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six of the seven cheapest programs costing under $15,000 annually. Private institutions range from $16,939 at Avila University to $23,165 at Rockhurst University. The cost gap can exceed $10,000 annually, though some private schools offer smaller class sizes and specialized resources. Central Methodist University breaks this pattern as the only private school under $15,000 at $14,774.

Is the job market strong for special education teachers in Missouri?

Missouri faces a significant shortage of special education teachers, with many districts offering signing bonuses and loan forgiveness programs. Graduate earnings range from $28,816 to $38,289, reflecting regional salary differences between rural and urban districts. The state's major healthcare employers like BJC HealthCare also hire special education professionals for therapeutic and support roles. Districts in Kansas City, St Louis, and Springfield consistently post multiple special education openings.

Does graduation rate correlate with program quality in Missouri special education programs?

The data shows interesting patterns beyond simple correlation, with University of Missouri-Columbia achieving the highest graduation rate at 76.20% while charging $19,889. However, several affordable programs like Northwest Missouri State and Missouri State-Springfield maintain solid 57% graduation rates at much lower costs. Lincoln University struggles with just 22.10% completion despite low costs, suggesting that price alone doesn't determine success rates.

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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.