2026 Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Bank Street College Of Education

New York, NY

Leading the list is Bank Street College Of Education, our #1 Special Education school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Read more about Bank Street College Of Education

#2

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #2 spot. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Teachers College At Columbia University

#3

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

You'll be in good company at Gonzaga University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Read more about Gonzaga University

#4

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

Aliso Viejo, CA

A rank of #4 makes Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. The median Special Education program debt is $27,471. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

#5

The College Of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ

Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, The College Of New Jersey landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The College Of New Jersey Special Education students take on a median of $25,228 in debt. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report

#6

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA

Fresno Pacific University did well this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fresno, CA. Fresno Pacific University graduates 50% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,660. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Fresno Pacific University profile

#7

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#8

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA

Point Loma Nazarene University placed #8 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,250. Point Loma Nazarene University Special Education students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Get the full Point Loma Nazarene University report

#9

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton placed #9 among Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Special Education program here. More on University Of Scranton

#10

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report

#11

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA

Elizabethtown College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit school based in Elizabethtown, PA. Elizabethtown College graduates 76% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,950. Graduates carry a median of $26,599 in student loans. Read the full report on Elizabethtown College

#12

Manhattan College

Riverdale, NY

Manhattan College landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Based in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. Manhattan College posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $53,400. The median Special Education program debt is $26,329. Read the full report on Manhattan College

#13

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles placed #13 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. About 53% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. California State University Los Angeles Special Education students take on a median of $14,430 in debt. More on California State University Los Angeles

#14

Seattle University

Seattle, WA

Seattle University placed #14 among Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University Special Education students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. Read the full report on Seattle University

#15

Westminster College Pa

New Wilmington, PA

Westminster College Pa did well this year, earning the #15 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Wilmington, PA. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $40,290 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Westminster College Pa

#16

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI

Carroll University landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Located in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,890. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Carroll University

#17

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median Special Education program debt is $13,975. Get the full Vanderbilt University report

#18

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin Lutheran College did well this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,916 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Wisconsin Lutheran College

#19

University Of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota did well this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. About 77% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,923 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota

#20

Notre Dame De Namur University

Belmont, CA

Notre Dame De Namur University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Belmont, CA, Notre Dame De Namur University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 7% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,792. The median Special Education program debt is $26,524. More on Notre Dame De Namur University

#21

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA

Loyola Marymount University landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Loyola Marymount University posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile

#22

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $22,863 in student loans. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#23

Northwestern College Iowa

Orange City, IA

Northwestern College Iowa landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Based in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,415. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report

#24

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. 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 run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full Winona State University profile

#25

Saint Josephs University

Philadelphia, PA

Saint Josephs University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. Saint Josephs University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Saint Josephs University

#26

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University did well this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Towson, MD. Towson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Towson University Special Education students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. Read more about Towson University

#27

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. About 88% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Lehigh University

#28

California State University San Marcos

San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos placed #28 among Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, CA. California State University San Marcos graduates 55% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. Typical Special Education student debt is $17,527. More on California State University San Marcos

#29

University Of Redlands

Redlands, CA

University Of Redlands came in at #29 in this year's ranking. University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Redlands, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. University Of Redlands Special Education students take on a median of $27,175 in debt. More on University Of Redlands

#30

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. More on Syracuse University

#31

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA

Whitworth University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Students borrow a median of $26,051 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Whitworth University profile

#32

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $15,671. See the full California State University Long Beach profile

#33

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. George Mason University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. The median Special Education program debt is $23,529. Get the full George Mason University report

#34

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

Concordia University Irvine placed #34 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Concordia University Irvine graduates 58% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile

#35

Saint Marys College Of California

Moraga, CA

Saint Marys College Of California placed #35 among Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Moraga, CA. Saint Marys College Of California posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $57,803. The median Special Education program debt is $25,041. Read the full report on Saint Marys College Of California

#36

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Special Education students take on a median of $24,861 in debt. Get the full University Of Delaware report

#37

Centenary College

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Centenary College posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,732. The median Special Education program debt is $25,081. More on Centenary College

#38

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. George Washington University Special Education students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Read the full report on George Washington University

#39

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Lewis University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Lewis University posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,000. Read more about Lewis University

#40

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,960. Read more about Texas Christian University

#41

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI

Carthage College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kenosha, WI. Carthage College posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Students from in state pay about $38,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,954 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Carthage College profile

#42

National University

San Diego, CA

National University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,426. Read more about National University

#43

Pace University New York

New York, NY

Pace University New York placed #43 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Pace University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Pace University New York graduates 60% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,510. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Pace University New York report

#44

University Of Mary

Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Set in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. Graduates carry a median of $26,983 in student loans. Get the full University Of Mary report

#45

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University did well this year, earning the #45 position. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. About 64% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Special Education program debt is $20,436. Read more about Illinois State University

#46

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Ball State University Special Education students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Get the full Ball State University report

#47

New York University

New York, NY

New York University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full New York University profile

#48

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick did well this year, earning the #48 position. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,120. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick

#49

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota came in at #49 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Bethel University Minnesota posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Special Education students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile

#50

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #50 position. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Special Education student debt is $19,273. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile