In their 2021 Condition of Education Report, the National Center for Education Statistics determined that 7.3 million students received aid under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This equals about 14% of all students in public schools. There is a clear need for people trained in the education of special needs students. With an affordable special education bachelor’s degree online, you can fulfill this rewarding role.
After completing a special education bachelor’s degree online, you’ll be equipped to help students succeed in the classroom despite learning, physical, mental, or social disabilities. With 17 degrees from 14 different schools, ranging in price from less than $30,000 to almost $143,000, there is a degree that will fit your needs and budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$57,300
Least Expensive In-state: Florida International University ~$28,287
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Western Governors University ~$31,400
Most Expensive: Nova Southeastern University ~$142,900
We have built this database to be the most reliable system of scientific rankings available. We don’t use overly-complex formulas, but meticulously calculate the total cost, including fees, to give you the most accurate estimate on college prices. With these rankings, you’ll find the best online special education degree for your needs.
To make things easier, we have organized the most affordable options into a “Best Buys” section. Everything above the dividing line is priced below the national average. If budget is a concern, this is where you should look for the best programs.
9 Most Affordable Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Online Programs
William Carey University 
Campbellsville University 
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Florida International University | (FL) | $28,287.00 $42,334.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $31,400.00 | All Students |
3 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $41,887.00 $75,035.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $42,369.00 | All Students |
5 | Albizu University | (FL) | $45,084.00 | All Students |
6 | Liberty University | (VA) | $48,892.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
7 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $50,020.00 | All Students |
8 | Southern Wesleyan University | (SC) | $51,600.00 | All Students |
9 | Campbell University | (NC) | $56,040.00 $31,240.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 William Carey University | (MS) | $62,320.00 $36,720.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Notre Dame College (School Closing) Bachelor of Arts in Education / Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist (K-12) 14 | (OH) | $63,800.00 | All Students | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $65,040.00 $35,760.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $80,726.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $142,900.00 $100,540.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the affordable special education bachelor’s degree online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited online bachelor’s degree in special education programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. The school profile for a special education bachelor’s degree online in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire affordable special education bachelor’s degree online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a special education bachelor’s degree online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
This ranking of the cheapest special education bachelor’s degree online programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online special education degree programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get an Affordable Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Working as a special needs teacher is not for everyone. Frankly, this is a challenging and sometimes frustrating profession, one that requires a strong will, endless patience, and an unwavering dedication to your students. But there are some significant reasons why you should consider this profession:
- Strong pay: Most won’t enter this field for the pay, but there is a good chance to earn a quality salary. The median annual income for special education teachers in May 2021 was over $61,000, while the top 10% earned over $100,000.
- Making a difference: As a special education teacher, you have the chance to make a difference in a child’s life every single day. You teach students basic academic concepts, such as math and science, while also preparing special needs students for the challenges of adult living.
- Any city, any state, any region: The need for special education teachers is pervasive and nationwide. No matter where you want to live, you can find a school or organization that needs special education experts. Big cities, rural areas, and everywhere in between, there is always a special-needs teaching opportunity.
If these benefits seem intriguing, keep reading to learn more about affordable special education bachelor’s degree online programs.
The Cost of an Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
These programs are typically affordable, although some have a large price tag. The average cost for a special education bachelor’s degree online is $57,300. This may seem like a lot, but this average is weighted by a few high-priced programs, including one that costs over $142,000. With the right resources and information, you can find the program that works best for your budget.
If we assume a four-year plan, the average per-year cost for a special education bachelor’s degree online is $14,325, which makes the overall cost seem much more affordable.
There are many affordable options. When looking at in-state tuition alone, we see seven programs (out of 17 total) priced below $50,000. Some programs offer this low rate to out-of-state students as well. For example, the Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Western Governors University costs $31,400 for all students.
There is one program that sticks out as the most expensive. The Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education / ESOL from Nova Southeastern University costs $142,900. It’s roughly $62,000 more than the second-most expensive (BS in Special Education, Drexel University), which costs $80,762.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at our top three most affordable special education bachelor’s degrees online:
#1. Florida International University – Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education / Special Education, Educational Foundations & Policy
The most cost-effective option on our list is this bachelor’s degree from Florida International University. The Exceptional Student Education major offers a concentration in Special Education, Educational Foundations, and Policy. It ranks in first place in our list of cheapest special education bachelor’s degrees online at $28,287 for Florida residents. Students should keep in mind that the out-of-state tuition cost runs higher, at an estimated $42,334 for the program in total.
This degree program examines educational and foundational policies related to special needs individuals. Students will learn how to effectively address the needs of students with cognitive, language, and social/emotional disabilities ranging in age from 5 to 22. Elective choices will allow the student to specialize in areas that interest them most, potentially setting them up for graduate degrees in subjects such as policy advocacy, health services, law, mental health, and public administration.
Some of the topics covered in this affordable online special education degree include:
- Assistive technology applications
- Behavioral approaches to learning and classroom management
- Teaching in inclusive settings
- Evaluation in the classroom
#2. Western Governors University – Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
With a tuition of $31,400 for all students, the second cheapest degree on our list for in-state students is also the lowest-cost option for out-of-state students. Western Governors University offers its programs with a special class format and pricing structure. Students can move through courses at their own pace, paying one set price per six-month period. Needless to say, the faster you are able to move through the curriculum, the lower your total cost will be. Our estimated tuition is for an average eight semester duration.
In the Bachelor of Arts in Special Education program focusing on mild to moderate disabilities, you will learn the techniques and strategies necessary to help students thrive. Online coursework and assessments are supplemented with a preclinical experience with observation hours and an in-person experience with a student teaching component. Students in states with single K-12 special education teaching licensure will be prepared for certification upon completion of this degree program. (Note that the program is not available to students in Delaware, New Jersey, and Washington.)
#3. Western New Mexico University – Bachelor of Science in Special Education
The third cheapest program on our list comes from Western New Mexico University. Residents of New Mexico can expect to pay $41,887 in total. Out-of-staters, meanwhile, will see a price tag of $75,035. This online special education bachelor’s degree can be a great option for students looking to earn a New Mexico K-12 special education license.
Extensive field experiences complement the online coursework to provide a well-rounded and relevant education. Students will learn about child growth and development, integrating technology in the classroom, behavior management, and evaluation and assessment of exceptional children. The program culminates in a capstone project including hands-on teaching practice.
Program participants will choose an additional area of concentration, taking 12-14 credits in one of the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- General Science
- Social Studies
Special Education: Online Bachelor Program Types
When you enroll in one of these programs, you will receive a detailed education on special needs, learning strategies, classroom techniques, and the various learning conditions that impact students. Coursework may include a study on various conditions, such as autism, or ways to increase academic outcomes. From psychology to education organization, students should be prepared for a wide-ranging education.
These bachelor’s programs require about four years to complete. They are challenging and require vigorous study on complex subjects, but once complete you’ll be an expert in special education. You’ll also qualify to sit for state licensing exams so that you can legally work in these fulfilling careers.
The programs are largely “bachelor of arts” or “bachelor of science” degrees. The differences are often difficult to see, but in general a bachelor of arts will focus on theories and philosophies of special needs teaching, while a bachelor of science will focus on data and science-backed approaches.
While they all focus on special education in some manner, the programs come with various specializations. Concentrations for these degrees include:
- Autism
- Intervention specialist
- Learning behavior disorders
You can find a special education bachelor’s degree online that suits your specific interests and skills, one that allows you to build a career that is best for you.
Courses in a Special Education Bachelor’s Program
While there are universal similarities, there are also differences between programs. Let’s look at the course and structure from a few of the best online special education degree programs:
Liberty University – Bachelor of Education in Special Education
This program focuses on current research-based approaches to special education. It includes the philosophical, legal, and scientific backgrounds of the profession, creating well-rounded teachers who can support students with a variety of needs.
Courses include subjects like learning disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and theoretical approaches to special needs teaching. One of the classes, for instance, is titled “Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders.” This course provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders and shows ways to support students facing these issues. Other courses include “Intervention for Students with Intellectual Disabilities” and “Learning and Behavior Problems.”
William Carey University – Bachelor of General Studies / Special Education
This bachelor’s degree prepares graduates to work with children who have various learning needs, which may include intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program also prepares students for transfer into a master’s program.
Available 100% online, this program includes courses on teaching while also developing your knowledge of disabilities and other conditions. Courses include “Learning Disabilities,” “Teaching the Individuals with Mild Intellectual Disabilities,” and “Organizational Procedures for Special Education.”
Accreditation for Special Education Degrees
Accreditation is the act of reviewing and verifying schools and degrees. It’s completed by independent bodies that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education. It serves as a quality-control system, and it comes in two basic formats: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional accreditation covers the entire college or university. It’s overseen by regional groups like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which covers the southeast region of the U.S. All online programs in our database have institutional accreditation; it’s a requirement to be included on our site.
The other form is programmatic. This accreditation covers a specific degree in a certain subject. For example, a master’s degree in counseling may have accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
For special education bachelor’s degrees, the main accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group reviews bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in education, including many degrees that concentrate on special education.
CAEP-accredited programs in this database include:
- Western Governors University – Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
- Western New Mexico University – Bachelor of Science in Special Education
- Campbellsville University – Bachelor of Science in Special Education
- Drexel University – Bachelor of Science in Special Education
The other accrediting group in this database is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
AAQEP-accredited programs include:
- Western New Mexico University – Bachelor of Science in Special Education
If a program does not have programmatic accreditation, that’s okay. As long as the college has institutional accreditation, you’ll know that the degree will deliver a high-quality education.
Admission Requirements for an Affordable Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Online
While most students will find a program that accepts their application, you should be aware of the admission requirements for all programs so you are prepared for the process.
For bachelor’s degrees, the minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some schools also have a GPA requirement. This GPA is usually light. Some schools only require a 2.5 GPA, while some require applicants to have at least a 3.0. Many will have no GPA requirement at all.
It helps to look at an example. Drexel University, a private college, requires first-year students to have a high school diploma or GED. They will need your official high school transcripts, as well as official transcripts from other colleges you may have attended. (To be considered a first-year student, you need less than 23 credits from a previous college.) You will also need to submit a personal essay. However, the university does not require a specific GPA or academic test scores.
Typically, you’ll also need to submit an application and pay a fee, which may be around $50. After everything is submitted, you simply wait to see if the school approves your application.
Licensing and Certification for Special Education Teachers
All teachers in public schools, and many in private schools, need state licensing. The same is true for special education teachers. To become a special education teacher, you need to meet specific requirements, which vary by state but generally stay consistent.
The process begins with a bachelor’s degree through an accredited school. Then aspiring teachers will complete a background check and apply for testing through their state. After passing a general certification test, graduates can work as special education teachers.
As we noted, each state is different. Many have additional details for working in this profession. For example, Michigan requires applicants to complete reading courses, first-aid and CPR classes, and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) exam.
Special Education Teachers: Salary and Career Outlook
Special education teachers may not have the largest salaries in the country, but they can expect a decent income with the potential for high salaries above $100,000 a year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for special education teachers in May 2021 was $61,820. This is roughly $15,000 more than the median for all occupations, which was $45,760. Special education teachers working at preschools had the highest salaries; their median income was over $62,000. The top 10% in this occupation have annual salaries over $100,000. It may not be the most lucrative field, but there is potential for large earnings.
The career field is also fairly stable, although it will drop slightly compared to the national rate of growth. Between 2021 and 2031, the BLS expects the profession of special education teacher to grow by 4%, which is just under the national rate for all occupations of 5%.
The total job pool, however, is fairly large. Although expected growth is only 4%, by 2031 there should be roughly 496,000 special education teachers. The largest portion (about 196,000) will be working with kindergarten and elementary students.
Steps after an Affordable Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Online
The minimum education requirement for most special education teaching positions is a bachelor’s, so you can complete one of these programs and complete your formal education. However, some students may choose to continue their learning through a master’s degree, such as a master of science in education or a master’s of education.
These advanced programs give a stronger understanding of special needs students and ways to improve their learning. Depending on the program, a master’s in special education may include intervention techniques, advanced learning procedures, or strategies for enhancing the education of autistic students.
Even if you do not pursue a master’s degree, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements. Most states require teachers to complete at least some continuing education, which can take the form of online learning, in-person classes, or workshops and seminars.
You Can Serve an Important Role in Education
Special education teachers are some of the most caring people in the entire country. They serve an important, highly-respected role in education, helping students from all walks of life reach their highest potential.
If you think a career in special education might be right for you, submit your information to GetEducated.com and let us help you find the ideal program for your specific needs!