2026 Best Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best Special Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1022 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search analyzed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
No school ranked higher than University Of Washington Seattle Campus this year in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $16,481. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #2 on this year's Special Education ranking in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University
You'll be in good company at Vanderbilt University, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #4 on this year's Special Education ranking in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
You'll be in good company at Illinois State University, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Illinois State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,436 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Illinois State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign did well this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,925 in student loans. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Georgia placed #7 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Special Education program debt is $22,250. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
University Of Maryland College Park did well this year, earning the #8 position. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $20,836. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Syracuse University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Syracuse University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Syracuse University
Washington State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Washington State University graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,903. More on Washington State University
University Of San Francisco placed #11 among Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $60,522 in tuition and fees. University Of San Francisco Special Education students take on a median of $23,935 in debt. Read more about University Of San Francisco
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Special Education students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
George Washington University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Special Education students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. See the full George Washington University profile
Duquesne University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. Students borrow a median of $26,297 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Duquesne University
University Of Iowa ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Special Education program here. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. 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. University Of Wisconsin Madison Special Education students take on a median of $22,863 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #17 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Illinois At Chicago did well this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. University Of Illinois At Chicago Special Education students take on a median of $20,115 in debt. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
University Of California Los Angeles placed #19 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Kennesaw State University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. Kennesaw State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 52%. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. The median Special Education program debt is $27,004. Read more about Kennesaw State University
University Of Utah ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,798. Read the full report on University Of Utah
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #22 among Special Education schools in the United States. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Graduates carry a median of $26,586 in student loans. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus
Utah State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Special Education students take on a median of $18,125 in debt. Read more about Utah State University
University Of Florida came in at #24 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Special Education students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. Read more about University Of Florida
University Of Northern Colorado did well this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. University Of Northern Colorado graduates 51% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Graduates carry a median of $26,564 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
Rest of the Top 50 Best Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro did well this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $24,000. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
Clemson University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Clemson University graduates 87% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Special Education students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. Read more about Clemson University
Auburn University placed #28 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,250. Read the full report on Auburn University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #29 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. University Of Nevada Las Vegas graduates 50% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $11,000. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Chapman University came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Set in Orange, CA, Chapman University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 82% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,984. Students borrow a median of $21,657 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Chapman University
Ball State University did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Ball State University Special Education students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Get the full Ball State University report
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $20,357. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Kentucky placed #33 among Special Education schools in the United States. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Texas Tech University placed #34 among Special Education schools in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. About 69% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Special Education students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. More on Texas Tech University
Western Michigan University did well this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. About 58% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Special Education student debt is $31,000. Read more about Western Michigan University
The University Of Alabama did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. About 73% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The median Special Education program debt is $26,000. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Texas Womans University came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Texas Womans University graduates 49% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,211. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Florida International University landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Florida International University posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,031. See the full Florida International University profile
University Of Kansas landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of North Texas ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Special Education students take on a median of $21,817 in debt. More on University Of North Texas
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #42 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. About 63% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Virginia Commonwealth University Special Education students take on a median of $23,813 in debt. Get the full Virginia Commonwealth University report
University Of Oregon did well this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. University Of Oregon graduates 72% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full University Of Oregon profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,472 to complete their Special Education program here. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
University Of Toledo ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. University Of Toledo posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. The median Special Education program debt is $22,073. Read more about University Of Toledo
University Of Arizona ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Special Education program here. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Portland State University placed #48 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Portland State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,475. Read the full report on Portland State University
Kent State University At Kent landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kent, OH. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
Lamar University did well this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. Lamar University graduates 37% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,988. Get the full Lamar University report
Related Special Education Rankings
See rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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