How Much Does a Special Education Degree Cost? | Special Education Tuition

If you're planning to become a special education teacher, you may be curious about the cost of attending college. How much can you expect the coursework for a special education program to cost? What are some of the other college expenses you should factor in?

Tuition rates for college degree programs vary widely depending on where you attend school, your degree level, the number of required credit hours, and many other factors. Financial aid options like grants, scholarships, and work-study programs can reduce the cost of your education, and completing online programs may also help you save money.

Keep reading to find out more about the costs of special education certification and degree programs.

Average Tuition Costs for Special Education Degrees

You can pursue four different levels of special education degrees: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Each type of program has different average tuition rates. Let's take a closer look.

Associate Degree in Special Education

Associate degrees are available at community colleges and some four-year schools. Associate degrees in special education are often designed to transfer to bachelor's degree programs.

These entry-level degrees are typically the most cost-efficient. As of 2021, the average tuition for associate degree programs is $3,800 a year, or $7,600 over two years. Additional costs such as books, fees, transportation, and room and board can bring costs up to around $10,000 a year.

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

A bachelor's degree in special education is typically completed within four years of full-time study. These programs are available at colleges and universities. Bachelor's degrees in special education can lead to various career opportunities working with children with learning disabilities and other needs.

Bachelor's degrees are significantly more expensive than associate degrees, with average tuition costs of more than $17,000 a year. Additional expenses add up quickly and can lead to total costs of between $30,000 and $40,000 throughout each year of the program.

Master's Degree in Special Education

A master's program is a graduate degree typically requiring an additional one to three years of study after completing a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in education can lead to various special education jobs and educational leadership roles, as well as related careers in behavior analysis and other fields.

The average cost of an education-related master's degree is around $42,000 for the entire program, and the average program length is two years. This works out to about $21,000 in tuition expenses each year.

Doctoral Degrees (PhD/EdD)

Doctoral degrees are the highest credentials in education you can receive. These programs typically lead to high-ranking administrative positions or careers as professors or researchers. There are two types of doctoral education degrees you can pursue: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in education and a Doctor of Education.

Doctoral degree programs vary widely in length and cost. Total tuition amounts may range from $50,000 to $65,000 or even higher, though some programs may cost significantly less.

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Special Education Degree

Various factors can affect how much you pay for your accredited special education degree. Below, we discuss some examples of these factors.

Type of Degree

As you can see from the numbers above, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees typically cost less per year in tuition than master's degrees and doctoral degrees. Graduate students will almost always pay higher tuition rates than undergraduate students.

The type of degree you are pursuing can have a big impact on how much that degree is going to cost you.

Type of Institution

Each school sets its own tuition rates, fees, book prices, and other costs, so there will be variation even among the same type of schools. That said, the type of college or university you attend is a big factor when determining your projected higher education expenses. Let's look at some of the different types of institutions to choose from.

Public vs. Private

There are three main types of institutions: public schools, private nonprofit schools, and private for-profit schools. Generally speaking, public schools charge lower tuition rates than private nonprofit schools.

Private for-profit institutions often charge the lowest rates of all, but they also have a reputation for providing lower-quality education. Before attending a for-profit school, always ensure it is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body.

Community Colleges vs. Four-Year Universities

Community colleges are two-year schools providing primarily associate degrees, career training, and certificate programs. Four-year colleges and universities primarily provide bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, along with undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Learners at community colleges typically pay much lower tuition rates than those at four-year schools. Starting at a community college then transferring to a four-year school can help you save money on your bachelor's degree by reducing the cost of your first two years.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition

If you plan to attend a public school in another state, you will likely be charged out-of-state tuition rates, which are typically much higher than in-state rates. Note that this generally applies only to public schools.

Most private schools charge the same rates for all students regardless of residency. Some public schools waive tuition rates for out-of-state students, while others offer reduced out-of-state rates for those living in nearby states.

Online vs. On-Campus Programs

Online students are often charged the same tuition rates regardless of where they live, even if they attend a public school that charges out-of-state tuition for campus-based students. For this reason, getting your degree in an online learning environment can save you a lot of money.

On the other hand, some schools charge higher rates for their online degrees than for their in-person degrees. It's recommended to check with your preferred college of education to determine specific tuition rates for the degrees and degree formats they offer.

Additional Costs Beyond Tuition

Enrollment in a special education program will cost more than just tuition. To start, you'll likely have to pay an application fee. Whether you're a graduating high school senior or a transfer student, you may have to pay additional fees to transfer your official transcripts to the school.

Some other expenses you may incur as part of your teacher education program include:

• books and course materials
• technology fees
• licensure and certification fees
• field experience, student teaching, and practicum costs
• housing and living expenses
• transportation costs

How To Cover the Cost of Your Special Education Degree

A special education degree allows you to pursue your dream of working with special needs children, such as those with autism and learning or behavioral disorders. But college is expensive, so how can you pay for the education you need to pursue a teaching license?

Fortunately, there are many financial aid options available to help meet the needs of students. You can fill out the FAFSA to obtain federal and state financial aid like grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

You could also apply for scholarships through your school or other private and public organizations. If you have a job, ask if your employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement. If you have a military or public service background, you may be eligible for further tuition benefits and discounts.

Combining different forms of financial aid may help you cover most, if not all, of your college costs.

Find the Right Degree Today

If you're ready to start on your special education journey, check out the degree programs offered by schools listed on Learn.org. Contact one of the colleges or universities today to find out how they can help you make your educational dreams a reality.