2026 Best Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Special Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1022 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Teaching Degree Search analyzed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Gonzaga University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Gonzaga University
The College Of New Jersey came in at #2 on this year's Special Education ranking in the United States. The College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Ewing, NJ. The College Of New Jersey graduates 86% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. The median Special Education program debt is $25,228. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
You'll be in good company at Western Washington University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Western Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,284. See the full Western Washington University profile
The strong Special Education programs at Lebanon Valley College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Annville, PA, Lebanon Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lebanon Valley College graduates 65% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,080. Lebanon Valley College Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Lebanon Valley College
A rank of #5 makes Towson University one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Towson University graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. Read the full report on Towson University
Texas Christian University placed #6 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. The median Special Education program debt is $22,960. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
Central Washington University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Central Washington University is a public school based in Ellensburg, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,988. Read the full report on Central Washington University
Syracuse University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse University graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Syracuse University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Syracuse University
Hope College came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Located in Holland, MI, Hope College is a private not-for-profit institution. Hope College posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $39,484. Students borrow a median of $26,334 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Hope College profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $22,863. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Illinois State University placed #11 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,436. Read the full report on Illinois State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $18,925 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
York College Pennsylvania placed #13 among Special Education schools in the United States. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
Baylor University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waco, TX. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Baylor University Special Education students take on a median of $23,928 in debt. Get the full Baylor University report
Juniata College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Huntingdon, PA, Juniata College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,580. Students borrow a median of $26,976 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Juniata College
Dakota State University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Dakota State University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. The median Special Education program debt is $28,500. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Minot State University placed #18 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. About 45% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,788. Read the full report on Minot State University
Saint Josephs University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 79% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. See the full Saint Josephs University profile
Seton Hall University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit school based in South Orange, NJ. Seton Hall University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Seton Hall University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania graduates 70% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Saint Martins University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Set in Lacey, WA, Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 52% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. Students borrow a median of $22,818 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Saint Martins University
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania graduates 58% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,737. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Kean University landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Kean University is a public school based in Union, NJ. About 47% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. More on Kean University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Rest of the Top 50 Best Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Western Governors University did well this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Western Governors University posts a six-year graduation rate of 46%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,158 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Western Governors University
Vanderbilt University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
University Of Dayton landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. University Of Dayton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $20,612 in student loans. Read more about University Of Dayton
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. About 64% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Indiana University Bloomington placed #30 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Special Education students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Winona State University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Winona State University graduates 56% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Get the full Winona State University report
Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #32 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,276 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Manhattan College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverdale, NY. About 64% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $53,400 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $26,329. More on Manhattan College
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Carthage College did well this year, earning the #35 position. Carthage College is a private not-for-profit school based in Kenosha, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,750. Students borrow a median of $25,954 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Carthage College report
Northern State University came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Northern State University
Seattle Pacific University came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Get the full Seattle Pacific University report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
Centenary College did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,732. Centenary College Special Education students take on a median of $25,081 in debt. Read the full report on Centenary College
Boston University did well this year, earning the #40 position. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Boston University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Boston University report
Suny College At Cortland came in at #41 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Cortland, NY. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,874, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. Students borrow a median of $25,369 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Suny College At Cortland
Lewis University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Lewis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Romeoville, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,000. See the full Lewis University profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Special Education students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #44 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Augustana College South Dakota landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,160. Augustana College South Dakota Special Education students take on a median of $26,217 in debt. More on Augustana College South Dakota
Calvin College placed #46 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,350. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,707. More on Calvin College
Nevada State College landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Based in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. Nevada State College graduates 34% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,765 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,833. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,334. More on Nevada State College
Trinity Christian College landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Located in Palos Heights, IL, Trinity Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Trinity Christian College graduates 58% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $20,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,611 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Trinity Christian College report
Aurora University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. Aurora University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. Aurora University Special Education students take on a median of $24,507 in debt. See the full Aurora University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Stout posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Related Special Education Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Special Education Schools (All Levels)
- Best Special Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1022 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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