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Special education teachers in Oklahoma earn between $35,861 and $39,369 annually, while program costs span from $6,352 at Southeastern Oklahoma State University to $23,880 at Oklahoma Baptist University. This nearly four-fold price difference creates opportunities for budget-conscious students entering a field where Oklahoma schools face teacher shortages. The state's Promise program covers full tuition for qualifying low-income students, making public universities like Southeastern and East Central University particularly attractive options. Oklahoma's growing special needs student population, driven by military families at installations like Tinker Air Force Base, creates steady demand for certified special education professionals across the state's rural and urban districts.
13
Programs
$6,352 – $23,880
Net Price Range
$37,615
Avg. Program Earnings
44.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
2 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
3 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
4 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
5 $11,366 $5,970 35.4% 56.4%
6 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
7 $14,542 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%
8 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
9 $18,990 $8,522 37.5% 69.9%
10 $21,556 $33,586 64.2% 70.4%
11 $23,600 $34,100 53.9% 78.4%
12 $23,678 $48,602 73.3% 69.2%
13 $23,880 $34,050 49.7% 47.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University the most affordable option?

Southeastern offers the lowest net cost at $6,352 annually, with in-state tuition of just $7,200. The university maintains a 74.21% acceptance rate and 33.30% graduation rate, making it accessible for students seeking affordable entry into special education careers.

How do public and private program costs compare in Oklahoma?

Public universities average around $12,000 in net costs, while private institutions like Oklahoma Baptist University and University of Tulsa charge over $23,000. Private schools typically offer higher graduation rates, with Oklahoma City University achieving 64.20% compared to public averages in the 30s.

Is the earnings difference significant between program graduates?

Graduate earnings range from $35,861 at Northeastern State to $39,369 at University of Central Oklahoma, a difference of $3,508 annually. This 10% variance suggests that program choice may matter less than location and school district for salary potential.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma's 513 school districts employ special education teachers, with higher demand in urban areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Military-connected districts near Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill often offer competitive salaries and benefits for special needs specialists.

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