2026 Best Value Special Education Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1022 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Special Education Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. La Salle University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on La Salle University
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Santa Fe Community College landed the #3 spot. Located in Santa Fe, NM, Santa Fe Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,851, with out-of-state students paying around $4,131. Graduates carry a median of $15,267 in student loans. Santa Fe Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,005 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,267 median debt. Read the full report on Santa Fe Community College
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwestern College Iowa landed the #4 spot. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwestern College Iowa
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #5 this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. The median Special Education program debt is $13,287. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Special Education program debt is $12,184. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Western Governors University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. Western Governors University Special Education students take on a median of $25,158 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,158 median debt. More on Western Governors University
Chadron State College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chadron, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. Chadron State College Special Education students take on a median of $22,912 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,002 ten years after entry. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Chadron State College report
University Of The Cumberlands placed #9 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. The median Special Education program debt is $22,868. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
Morningside College placed #10 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. The median Special Education program debt is $27,281. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Morningside College
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Fulton, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Itawamba Community College Special Education students take on a median of $10,942 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,912. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Itawamba Community College
Minot State University placed #12 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Minot State University
Worcester State University placed #13 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Worcester State University
Pima Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Pima Community College Special Education students take on a median of $15,200 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pima Community College
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Waukesha County Technical College Special Education students take on a median of $16,595 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Set against $16,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Concordia University Irvine placed #16 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,083 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Students borrow a median of $30,051 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. That is a strong return on a $30,051 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Wayne State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne State College report
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $14,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College profile
Broward College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,830, while out-of-state students pay about $8,952. Graduates carry a median of $13,110 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,939 ten years after entry. Set against $13,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Broward College
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,542. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Hamline University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Hamline University
Fitchburg State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
University Of Scranton landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,777. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. University Of Scranton alumni report median earnings of $74,652 a decade after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. Graduates carry a median of $22,542 in student loans. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Mcdaniel College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Mcdaniel College
Gordon College placed #29 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. Gordon College alumni report median earnings of $52,119 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gordon College
Miami Dade College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Miami, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Miami Dade College Special Education students take on a median of $9,671 in debt. Miami Dade College alumni report median earnings of $40,654 a decade after entry. Set against $9,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Miami Dade College report
Dakota State University placed #31 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,970. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dakota State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Dakota State University
Wilmington University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Wilmington University Special Education students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. More on Wilmington University
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Northern State University is a public school based in Aberdeen, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Graduates carry a median of $26,143 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,618 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Northern State University
Bemidji State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Bemidji State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,819 in debt. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Special Education students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Peru State College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Peru, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,433. Graduates carry a median of $26,254 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,071 ten years after entry. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Peru State College
Wilson College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chambersburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Students borrow a median of $34,814 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,326. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wilson College has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Wilson College
Midwestern State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Students borrow a median of $26,415 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Midwestern State University report
Mayville State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,464. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,828 ten years after entry. Set against $27,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mayville State University
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $10,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Westminster College Pa offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit school based in New Wilmington, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,290. The median Special Education program debt is $26,528. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westminster College Pa has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Westminster College Pa profile
Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Special Education students take on a median of $20,485 in debt. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Set against $20,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Western Carolina University
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,086. The median Special Education program debt is $34,425. Median earnings reach $53,145 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alverno College admits about 86% of applicants. More on Alverno College
Northwest Missouri State University placed #45 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Special Education students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Set against $26,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Arizona State University Skysong placed #46 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Buena Vista University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete their Special Education program here. Buena Vista University alumni report median earnings of $49,156 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Buena Vista University
Granite State College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Granite State College is a public school based in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,724, compared with $9,284 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,935 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Granite State College profile
Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,890. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,904. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,009 ten years after entry. Set against $26,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carroll University admits about 67% of applicants. More on Carroll University
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,639. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethel University Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Fresno Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,660. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,596. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,896 ten years after entry. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Fresno Pacific University report
Best Value Special Education Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Special Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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