2026 Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1022 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Illinois State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,436. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $20,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #2 spot. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Womans University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Special Education students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Texas Womans University report
You'll get strong value at University Of North Texas, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. 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. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
A rank of #5 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Special Education program here. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Special Education students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University
Kennesaw State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. The median Special Education program debt is $27,004. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Georgia landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
University Of California Berkeley landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $14,238. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Duquesne University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,297. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Duquesne University
Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #12 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,586. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus
Washington State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Utah State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
University Of San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. University Of San Francisco Special Education students take on a median of $23,935 in debt. University Of San Francisco alumni report median earnings of $89,812 a decade after entry. Set against $23,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. More on University Of San Francisco
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #18 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,863 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $22,863 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Northern Colorado came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,564. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. Set against $26,564 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #20 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $18,925 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
Clemson University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical Special Education student debt is $23,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Clemson University report
Lamar University placed #22 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Lamar University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,602 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
University Of Utah came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years 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 Utah
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of California Los Angeles placed #26 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $16,097. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Chicago Special Education students take on a median of $20,115 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Iowa ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,463. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Florida International University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Florida International University
Ball State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Ball State University Special Education students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Ball State University report
George Washington University placed #32 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. George Washington University Special Education students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. More on George Washington University
Western Michigan University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Western Michigan University Special Education students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
University Of Kansas landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Special Education program debt is $23,608. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Florida came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Special Education students take on a median of $20,357 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $20,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Kent State University At Kent ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
Syracuse University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Syracuse University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $79,164 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Syracuse University
Auburn University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University Special Education students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on Auburn University
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #41 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Special Education students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Portland State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Graduates carry a median of $26,475 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,475 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Portland State University
The University Of Alabama placed #43 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,221. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $23,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile
University Of Kentucky placed #45 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Vanderbilt University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical Special Education student debt is $13,975. Vanderbilt University alumni report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entry. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of Toledo came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Students borrow a median of $22,073 to complete their Special Education program here. University Of Toledo alumni report median earnings of $50,632 a decade after entry. Set against $22,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Toledo has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full University Of Toledo profile
Chapman University placed #48 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Orange, CA, Chapman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,984. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,657. Chapman University alumni report median earnings of $70,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,657 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on Chapman University
University Of Oregon placed #49 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete their Special Education program here. University Of Oregon alumni report median earnings of $61,324 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,034 median debt. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Oregon profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,472. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. Set against $24,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
Related Special Education Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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