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Master's Degree in Special Education

Master’s Degrees in Special Education

19,631 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Median Salary
86% Women
There are 631 colleges and univerities across the nation that offer a master's degree in special ed. This degree is more popular with female students, and about 30% of recent graduates were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group. Also, 1.1% of special ed graduates were international students.

Education Levels of Special Ed Majors

During the most recent year for which data is available, 19,631 people earned their master's degree in special ed. This earns it the #3 spot on the list of the most popular master's degree programs in the nation.

The following table shows the number of diplomas awarded in special ed at each degree level.

Education Level Number of Grads
Master’s Degree 19,631
Bachelor’s Degree 8,925
Graduate Certificate 3,743
Associate Degree 1,326
Basic Certificate 803
Doctor’s Degree 216
Undergraduate Certificate 199

Earnings of Special Ed Majors With Master’s Degrees

The median salary for graduates holding a master's degree in special ed is $56,893. A lot of factors can contribute to this number, such as the location of your workplace and the availability of other perks and bonuses. To get a better picture, earnings for this category of people can range from a low of $53,101 to a high of $62,165.

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Student Debt

We do not have the data to estimate the median debt for this class of people.

Student Diversity

More women than men pursue their master's degree in special ed. About 85.7% of graduates with this degree are female.

Gender Number of Grads
Men 2,810
Women 16,821
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The racial-ethnic distribution of special ed master’s degree students is as follows:

Race/Ethnicity Number of Grads
Asian 584
Black or African American 1,918
Hispanic or Latino 2,895
White 12,460
International Students 211
Other Races/Ethnicities 1,563
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There are 631 colleges that offer a master’s degree in special ed. Learn more about the most popular 20 below:

#1

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
1,624 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
84% Women

The most popular school in the United States for special ed students seekinga master's degree is Grand Canyon University. Roughly 103,400 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $16,390 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $10,138 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 1,624 people received their master's degree in special ed from Grand Canyon University. About 84% of this group were women, and 40% were students from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at Grand Canyon University make a median salary of 56,893.

#2

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana
1,369 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
91% Women

Ball State University is the 2nd most popular school in the nation for students seeking a master's degree in special ed. Each year, around 21,500 students seeking various degrees attend the university. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $8,688 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $9,922 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 1,369 people received their master's degree in special ed from Ball State. About 91% of this group were women, and 29% were students from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at Ball State University make a median salary of 56,893.

#3

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
1,272 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
87% Women

The 3rd most popular school in the country for special ed majors who are seeking their master's degree is Arizona State University - Skysong. Roughly 53,900 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $11,308 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $10,170 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 1,272 people received their master's degree in special ed from ASU - Skysong. About 87% of this group were women, and 44% were students from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group. Arizona State University - Skysong special ed graduates who receive their master's degree go on to jobs earning a median salary of $56,893.

#4

Touro College

New York, New York
635 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
88% Women

Touro College is the 4th most popular school in the nation for students seeking a master's degree in special ed. Each year, around 11,600 students seeking various degrees attend the university. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $18,950 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $13,545 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 635 people received their master's degree in special ed from Touro. Around 36% of these students were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group, and 88% were women. Touro College special ed graduates who receive their master's degree go on to jobs earning a median salary of $56,893.

#5

National University

San Diego, California
431 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
77% Women

National University comes in at #5 on our list of the most popular colleges offering master's degrees in special ed. Each year, around 18,000 students seeking various degrees attend the university. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $13,320 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $15,912 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 431 people received their master's degree in special ed from National University. Around 49% of these students were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group, and 77% were women. Data shows that National University graduates that hold this degree go on to make a median salary of $56,893.

#6

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah
420 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
82% Women

Western Governors University comes in at #6 on our list of the most popular colleges offering master's degrees in special ed. Roughly 147,800 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $7,710 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $8,302 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 420 people received their master's degree in special ed from WGU. Of these students, 82% were women and 19% were members of underrepresented racial-ethnic groups. Data shows that WGU graduates that hold this degree go on to make a median salary of $56,893.

#7

Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas
330 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
93% Women

Lamar University comes in at #7 on our list of the most popular colleges offering master's degrees in special ed. Each year, around 16,600 students seeking various degrees attend the university. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $6,228 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $6,471 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 330 people received their master's degree in special ed from Lamar University. Around 42% of these students were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group, and 93% were women. Lamar University special ed graduates who receive their master's degree go on to jobs earning a median salary of $56,893.

#8

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
326 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
86% Women

The 8th most popular school in the country for special ed majors who are seeking their master's degree is George Mason University. Roughly 38,500 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $10,095 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $13,726 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 326 people received their master's degree in special ed from GMU. Of these students, 86% were women and 36% were members of underrepresented racial-ethnic groups. Data shows that GMU graduates that hold this degree go on to make a median salary of $56,893.

#9

Hunter College

New York, New York
320 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
84% Women

Hunter College is the 9th most popular school in the nation for students seeking a master's degree in special ed. Roughly 24,000 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $6,930 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $11,090 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 320 people received their master's degree in special ed from Hunter. Around 53% of these students were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group, and 84% were women. Hunter College special ed graduates who receive their master's degree go on to jobs earning a median salary of $56,893.

#10

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
306 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
89% Women

Liberty University is the 10th most popular school in the nation for students seeking a master's degree in special ed. Roughly 93,300 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $15,015 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $7,740 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 306 people received their master's degree in special ed from Liberty University. Of these students, 89% were women and 22% were members of underrepresented racial-ethnic groups. Data shows that Liberty University graduates that hold this degree go on to make a median salary of $56,893.

#11

The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida
243 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
90% Women

The University of West Florida comes in at #11 on our list of the most popular colleges offering master's degrees in special ed. Roughly 13,000 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $3,735 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $7,088 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 243 people received their master's degree in special ed from UWF. Around 33% of these students were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group, and 90% were women. The University of West Florida special ed graduates who receive their master's degree go on to jobs earning a median salary of $56,893.

#12

Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, New York
236 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
69% Women

Brooklyn College comes in at #12 on our list of the most popular colleges offering master's degrees in special ed. Roughly 17,700 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $6,930 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $11,090 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 236 people received their master's degree in special ed from Brooklyn College. Of these students, 69% were women and 62% were members of underrepresented racial-ethnic groups. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at Brooklyn College make a median salary of 56,893.

#13

Endicott College

Beverly, Massachusetts
208 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
97% Women

The 13th most popular school in the country for special ed majors who are seeking their master's degree is Endicott College. Roughly 4,200 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $38,312 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $13,370 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 208 people received their master's degree in special ed from Endicott. About 97% of this group were women, and 13% were students from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at Endicott College make a median salary of 56,893.

#14

Pace University - New York

New York, New York
196 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
70% Women

Pace University - New York is the 14th most popular school in the nation for students seeking a master's degree in special ed. Roughly 12,800 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $49,550 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $28,091 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 196 people received their master's degree in special ed from Pace University. About 70% of this group were women, and 53% were students from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group. Pace University - New York special ed graduates who receive their master's degree go on to jobs earning a median salary of $56,893.

#15

Daemen College

Amherst, New York
187 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
83% Women

The 15th most popular school in the country for special ed majors who are seeking their master's degree is Daemen College. Roughly 2,500 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $33,054 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $25,728 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 187 people received their master's degree in special ed from Daemen College. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at Daemen College make a median salary of 56,893.

#16

LIU Post

Brookville, New York
173 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
72% Women

The 16th most popular school in the country for special ed majors who are seeking their master's degree is LIU Post. Roughly 15,000 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $39,458 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $24,336 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 173 people received their master's degree in special ed from LIU Post. About 72% of this group were women, and 42% were students from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at LIU Post make a median salary of 56,893.

156 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
91% Women

Arkansas State University - Main Campus is the 17th most popular school in the nation for students seeking a master's degree in special ed. Each year, around 13,100 students seeking various degrees attend the university. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $7,176 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $6,534 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 156 people received their master's degree in special ed from A-State. Around 11% of these students were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group, and 91% were women. Data shows that A-State graduates that hold this degree go on to make a median salary of $56,893.

#18

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado
152 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
94% Women

University of Northern Colorado comes in at #18 on our list of the most popular colleges offering master's degrees in special ed. Each year, around 11,400 students seeking various degrees attend the university. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $8,784 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $12,204 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 152 people received their master's degree in special ed from University of Northern Colorado. Of these students, 94% were women and 18% were members of underrepresented racial-ethnic groups. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at University of Northern Colorado make a median salary of 56,893.

#19

American International College

Springfield, Massachusetts
148 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
80% Women

The 19th most popular school in the country for special ed majors who are seeking their master's degree is American International College. Roughly 2,600 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $41,970 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $10,595 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 148 people received their master's degree in special ed from AIC. Around 27% of these students were from an underrepresented racial-ethnic group, and 80% were women. American International College special ed graduates who receive their master's degree go on to jobs earning a median salary of $56,893.

142 Yearly Graduations
$56,893 Average Salary
91% Women

The 20th most popular school in the country for special ed majors who are seeking their master's degree is The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Roughly 32,400 attend the school each year. The average in-state tuition for full-time undergraduates is $7,637 per year, while in-state graduate students, on average, pay $6,948 per year. During the most recent year for which we have data, 142 people received their master's degree in special ed from UT Rio Grande Valley. Of these students, 91% were women and 87% were members of underrepresented racial-ethnic groups. Those who complete their master's degree in special ed at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley make a median salary of 56,893.

Special Ed Concentrations

Major Annual Degrees Awarded
General Special Education 14,052
Teaching for Multiple Disabilities 1,191
Elementary Special Education 1,076
Early Childhood Special Education 892
Other Special Education & Teaching 582

Below are some popular majors that are similar to special ed that offer master’s degrees.

Major Annual Degrees Awarded
Teacher Education Grade Specific 28,813
Educational Administration 25,551
Curriculum & Instruction 17,349
Teacher Education Subject Specific 16,456
General Education 14,076

References

*The racial-ethnic minority student count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the percentage of racial-ethnic minorities.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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