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Texas A&M International University in Laredo offers the state's most affordable Special Education and Teaching program with a net price of just $3,061, creating an $38,881 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. This dramatic spread reflects Texas's dual education market where public universities serve budget-conscious students while private institutions command premium prices. The University of Texas at El Paso accepts nearly every applicant at 99.92%, making quality teacher preparation accessible to varied student populations. Texas faces a critical teacher shortage, particularly in special education, with the state's massive 5.4 million student enrollment creating demand for specialized educators. Houston's Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex, collaborates extensively with local school districts on inclusive education programs that integrate healthcare services into special needs classrooms.
17
Programs
$3,061 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$44,747
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
3 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
4 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
5 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
6 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
7 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
8 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
9 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
10 $19,847 $14,703 36.1% 51.9%
11 $22,240 $36,690 40.5% 85.7%
12 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
13 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
14 $28,690 $33,150 53.4% 95.7%
15 $30,092 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
16 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
17 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive price difference between Texas special education programs?

Public universities like Texas A&M International charge $3,061 while private institutions reach $30,092, creating a 10x cost variation. State funding allows public schools to subsidize in-state students heavily, with UT Austin charging only $11,678 for residents despite its high ranking. Private schools lack this support and often provide smaller class sizes and specialized resources that drive up costs.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable Texas special education programs?

The most affordable option, Texas A&M International, maintains a 48.9% graduation rate despite its low $3,061 cost. UT Austin leads with 87.6% but costs significantly more at $19,678. Jarvis Christian University shows concerning outcomes with only 15.1% of students graduating, suggesting affordability alone doesn't guarantee success.

Does Texas offer strong job prospects for special education teachers?

Texas ranks second nationally in healthcare workforce size, creating extensive opportunities for special education professionals who often work alongside medical teams. The state's 5.4 million students include approximately 540,000 receiving special education services. Major employers like Baylor Scott & White and Houston Methodist actively recruit teachers for their pediatric and rehabilitation programs.

Where can students find the best value in Texas special education programs?

UT San Antonio offers strong value with a $11,234 net price, 51.2% graduation rate, and 86.9% acceptance rate. UT El Paso provides similar affordability at $10,726 with nearly universal admission. Both universities benefit from large urban districts that provide extensive student teaching opportunities and immediate job placement potential.

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