2026 Best Value Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1022 schools 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.
To help you make your decision, Teaching Degree Search evaluated schools to produce 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Idaho earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Special Education students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Governors University landed the #3 spot. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,158 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,158 median debt. Get the full Western Governors University report
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minot State University landed the #4 spot. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,788. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Minot State University report
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chadron State College landed the #5 spot. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Chadron State College Special Education students take on a median of $22,912 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. That is a strong return on a $22,912 median debt. See the full Chadron State College profile
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $22,974. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne State College report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #7 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. 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. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. Set against $30,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,542. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. That is a strong return on a $30,542 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Broward College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,830 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,952. Graduates carry a median of $13,110 in student loans. Broward College alumni report median earnings of $41,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Broward College
Dakota State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. 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 has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Dakota State University profile
Miami Dade College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Miami Dade College is a public school based in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $9,671 median debt. Get the full Miami Dade College report
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,143. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,618. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northern State University report
Peru State College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,433 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,254. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,071 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Peru State College profile
Mayville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,464. Median earnings reach $47,828 ten years out. Set against $27,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Mayville State University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $28,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Western Carolina University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Western Carolina University Special Education students take on a median of $20,485 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Set against $20,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Indian River State College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Indian River State College Special Education students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Indian River State College alumni report median earnings of $38,315 a decade after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indian River State College profile
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Granite State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Granite State College is a public school based in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Graduates carry a median of $29,935 in student loans. 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. Read the full report on Granite State College
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,089. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,089 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Central Michigan University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Central Michigan University
Nicholls State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Nicholls State University is a public school based in Thibodaux, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,149, compared with $9,242 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,513. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Nicholls State University report
St Petersburg College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,682, while out-of-state students pay about $9,286. St Petersburg College Special Education students take on a median of $24,385 in debt. St Petersburg College alumni report median earnings of $42,557 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on St Petersburg College
National University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $30,426. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,775 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Eastern Illinois University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,046. Eastern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $51,989 a decade after entry. Set against $26,046 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $19,850 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $19,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Georgia Gwinnett College placed #28 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Lawrenceville, GA, Georgia Gwinnett College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,532, compared with $13,844 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $21,280. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Gwinnett College has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Georgia Gwinnett College profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #29 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. The median Special Education program debt is $22,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Northern Illinois University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,452. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $21,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Winona State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Winona State University
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $29,125. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
Black Hills State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Graduates carry a median of $26,812 in student loans. Black Hills State University alumni report median earnings of $46,674 a decade after entry. Set against $26,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Black Hills State University profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit school based in Arecibo, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,780. The median Special Education program debt is $9,117. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,539. Set against $9,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,607 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,607 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Students borrow a median of $25,986 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $25,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #42 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. University Of Wisconsin Stout Special Education students take on a median of $30,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,084. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Martin Luther College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,120 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $20,224. Median earnings reach $47,491 ten years out. Set against $20,224 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Martin Luther College
Henderson State University placed #42 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Students borrow a median of $23,234 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,459. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. Get the full Henderson State University report
Kean University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Kean University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Kean University alumni report median earnings of $57,237 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kean University
Suny College At Cortland ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Cortland, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,874, compared with $18,784 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,369. Suny College At Cortland alumni report median earnings of $60,236 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,369 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Suny College At Cortland profile
University Of Memphis came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,397 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $23,397 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Memphis
York College Pennsylvania ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,012 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Nevada State College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,765, compared with $21,833 for out-of-state students. Nevada State College Special Education students take on a median of $22,334 in debt. Nevada State College alumni report median earnings of $53,166 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Nevada State College
Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Western Washington University is a public school based in Bellingham, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. The median Special Education program debt is $29,284. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Washington University
Related Special Education Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Special Education Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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