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Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Cheyney University stands out with the nation's most affordable Special Education and Teaching program at just $9,837 net price, though its 16.20% graduation rate signals significant challenges. The 20 programs across Pennsylvania show a dramatic cost divide, with private institutions like Saint Francis University charging $19,173 net price while achieving a 72.80% graduation rate. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with East Stroudsburg and Indiana University of Pennsylvania both under $18,000 net price and producing graduates earning over $41,000 annually. Pennsylvania's education sector benefits from major healthcare systems like UPMC, which employ thousands of special education professionals and occupational therapists. The state's commitment to inclusive education creates steady demand for special education teachers, particularly in urban districts around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh where these programs concentrate.
37
Programs
$9,837 – $35,487
Net Price Range
$38,843
Avg. Program Earnings
58.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
3 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
5 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
6 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
7 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
8 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
9 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
10 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
11 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
12 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
13 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
14 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
15 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
16 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
17 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
18 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
19 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
20 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
21 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
22 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
23 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
24 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
25 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
26 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
27 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
28 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
29 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
30 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
31 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
32 $28,714 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
33 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
34 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
35 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
36 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
37 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cheyney University's program so affordable compared to other options?

Cheyney University offers the lowest net price at $9,837, significantly below the state average. As a historically black public university, it receives state funding that keeps costs down. However, students should consider the 16.20% graduation rate when evaluating this option. The low completion rate may indicate resource constraints that affect student support services.

How do graduation rates vary between public and private Special Education programs?

Private institutions generally show higher completion rates, with Saint Francis University achieving 72.80% and Holy Family University reaching 60.40%. Public universities range from Cheyney's 16.20% to Slippery Rock's 65.90%. The higher private school rates often reflect smaller class sizes and additional student support. However, public options like Slippery Rock demonstrate that affordable programs can still maintain strong outcomes.

Where do Special Education graduates typically find employment in Pennsylvania?

Graduates earning $36,668 to $45,867 find opportunities throughout Pennsylvania's education and healthcare sectors. Major employers include school districts in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and surrounding suburbs. UPMC and other healthcare systems also hire special education professionals for therapeutic and support roles. The state's inclusion requirements create consistent demand across rural and urban districts.

Does in-state tuition make Pennsylvania programs more affordable than other states?

Pennsylvania's public universities charge $10,507 to $12,262 in-state tuition, which ranks among the higher costs nationally. However, the PA State Grant program helps reduce the financial burden for qualifying residents. East Stroudsburg offers one of the better values at $11,036 in-state tuition with graduates earning $43,240. Private institutions often provide substantial aid packages that can make net prices competitive.

What student debt levels should graduates expect from these programs?

Most programs report median debt around $25,500 to $27,000, which aligns with national averages for education majors. York College graduates carry $26,950 in debt but earn $42,905 annually, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The relatively modest debt loads reflect the practical nature of education programs. Starting salaries in the $36,000-$45,000 range make these debt levels sustainable for most graduates.

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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.