Skip to main content

Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Florida

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

St Petersburg College stands out among Florida's teacher preparation programs with a negative net cost of $52, meaning students actually receive more aid than they pay. This unusual situation reflects the state's commitment to filling educator shortages across its 67 school districts. The 20 programs range dramatically in price, from St Petersburg's aid surplus to Trinity International University's $5,455 net cost. Community colleges dominate the affordable options, with 12 of the top 15 spots going to two-year institutions that offer teacher preparation pathways. Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program helps explain these low costs, covering full tuition for students who meet academic requirements. The state's absence of income tax makes the $34,381 to $43,018 earnings range more competitive than similar salaries elsewhere. Public school systems across Florida employ over 200,000 teachers, creating steady demand for program graduates who complete their preparation at institutions like University of Florida, which combines affordability at $6,351 net cost with a 91.5% graduation rate.
50
Programs
$-52 – $33,847
Net Price Range
$39,025
Avg. Program Earnings
51.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $832 $3,120 61.3%
3 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
4 $2,915 $3,100 56.6%
5 $4,443 $3,165 51.1%
6 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
7 $5,455 $14,180
8 $5,554 $3,246 42.9%
9 $5,808 $2,830 45.7%
10 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
11 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
12 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
13 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
14 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
15 $8,249 $3,401 38.5%
16 $8,829 $13,800 69.2% 92.1%
17 $9,027 $3,366 34.0%
18 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
19 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
20 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
21 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
22 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
23 $10,888 $9,068 60.7%
24 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
25 $11,154 $2,563 52.1%
26 $12,310 $2,710 44.0%
27 $13,580 $14,878 28.0% 83.5%
28 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
29 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
30 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
31 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
32 $19,273 $14,300 44.2% 49.6%
33 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
34 $21,283 $16,300 59.8%
35 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
36 $21,433 $3,074 34.9%
37 $22,226 $19,658 23.6% 79.3%
38 $22,527 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
39 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
40 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
41 $24,026 $14,742 49.7%
42 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
43 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
44 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
45 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
46 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
47 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
48 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
49 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
50 $33,847 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College cost negative $52 for teacher education students?

St Petersburg College provides more financial aid than students pay in tuition and fees, creating a net credit of $52. This reflects generous state aid programs and the college's low $2,682 in-state tuition. Students typically receive combinations of Pell Grants, state scholarships, and institutional aid that exceed their educational costs. The college's 37.5% graduation rate suggests students often transfer to complete four-year teaching degrees.

How do community college costs compare to university options for teacher preparation?

Community colleges claim 12 of the 15 most affordable spots, with net costs under $8,250. Schools like Chipola College charge just $832 net cost while maintaining a 61.3% graduation rate. University of Florida offers the best four-year value at $6,351 net cost with strong outcomes. The $4,000+ cost gap between community colleges and universities reflects different program structures and completion pathways.

Is the University of Florida worth the higher cost for teacher education?

University of Florida's $6,351 net cost delivers strong value with a 91.5% graduation rate and $41,007 median earnings. The acceptance rate of 23.35% makes admission competitive, but graduates earn $6,000+ more annually than some community college counterparts. Students graduate with $14,757 in debt, reasonable considering the earning potential. The university's education program connects directly to statewide teaching opportunities.

Does Florida's Bright Futures program affect these teacher education costs?

Bright Futures scholarships cover 75% to 100% of tuition for eligible students, significantly reducing net costs across Florida programs. Students with 3.5+ GPAs and strong test scores receive full tuition coverage at public institutions. This explains why schools like St Petersburg College show negative costs and others remain under $3,000. The program particularly benefits future teachers who maintain academic standards throughout their preparation.

Where do graduates from these affordable programs typically find teaching jobs?

Florida employs over 200,000 public school teachers across 67 districts, with high demand in STEM, special education, and ESL areas. Graduates often start in districts near their preparation programs, with Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hillsborough offering the most positions. The state's no income tax policy makes the $34,381 to $43,018 salary range more competitive. Many districts offer signing bonuses and loan forgiveness to attract new teachers from these preparation programs.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Rankings

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods in Florida Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Under $20,000 in Florida

Related

All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs Best Colleges in Florida Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods in Florida

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