2026 Best Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Special Education graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile

#2

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA

Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Worcester State University landed the #2 spot. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Worcester State University profile

#3

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI

You'll get strong value at Viterbo University, which ranked #3 this year. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Viterbo University

#4

Minot State University

Minot, ND

Minot State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Special Education ranking in the United States. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. More on Minot State University

#5

Concordia University Seward

Seward, NE

A rank of #5 makes Concordia University Seward one of the best values in the United States. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $26,726. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Seward

#6

Concordia University Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Saint Paul

#7

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Special Education program here. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Hamline University report

#8

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,436. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $20,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Illinois State University

#9

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #9 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. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,797. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on Olivet Nazarene University

#10

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,840 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Fitchburg State University profile

#11

Mcdaniel College

Westminster, MD

Mcdaniel College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. The median Special Education program debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Mcdaniel College

#12

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Winona State University

#13

Baldwin Wallace College

Berea, OH

Baldwin Wallace College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,832. The median Special Education program debt is $27,307. Baldwin Wallace College alumni report median earnings of $54,122 a decade after entry. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Baldwin Wallace College

#14

Alverno College

Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,086. The median Special Education program debt is $34,425. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alverno College has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Alverno College profile

#15

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA

Whitworth University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Whitworth University

#16

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong placed #16 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $23,742. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University Skysong

#17

Granite State College

Manchester, NH

Granite State College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. The median Special Education program debt is $29,935. 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 more about Granite State College

#18

The College Of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ

The College Of New Jersey ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,228 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey

#19

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montclair State University

#20

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. The median Special Education program debt is $29,875. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,875 median debt. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Liberty University

#22

Midland University

Fremont, NE

Midland University placed #22 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Fremont, NE, Midland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,050. Graduates carry a median of $27,536 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,163 ten years after entry. Set against $27,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Midland University

#23

College Of Mount St Joseph

Cincinnati, OH

College Of Mount St Joseph offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Cincinnati, OH, College Of Mount St Joseph is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,150. Typical Special Education student debt is $28,273. Median earnings reach $51,509 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about College Of Mount St Joseph

#24

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Special Education students take on a median of $28,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University

#25

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

Baltimore, MD

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,360. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland alumni report median earnings of $65,344 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

#26

Marywood University

Scranton, PA

Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Marywood University Special Education students take on a median of $27,744 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full Marywood University report

#27

Endicott College

Beverly, MA

Endicott College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,650 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,973 to complete their Special Education program here. Endicott College alumni report median earnings of $58,336 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,973 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Endicott College

#28

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Students borrow a median of $24,488 to complete their Special Education program here. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rowan University

#29

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus

#29

Lynchburg College

Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,380. Lynchburg College admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on Lynchburg College

#31

National University

San Diego, CA

National University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. National University Special Education students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University

#32

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Special Education program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield

#33

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR

Henderson State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. Henderson State University Special Education students take on a median of $23,234 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,459 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. More on Henderson State University

#34

University Of West Alabama

Livingston, AL

University Of West Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Livingston, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, while out-of-state students pay about $20,090. University Of West Alabama Special Education students take on a median of $31,894 in debt. University Of West Alabama alumni report median earnings of $44,232 a decade after entry. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of West Alabama admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of West Alabama report

#35

Mount St Marys College

Los Angeles, CA

Mount St Marys College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,564. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,555. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,379 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mount St Marys College

#35

Niagara University

Niagara University, NY

Niagara University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,345 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,196. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Niagara University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Niagara University

#37

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

#37

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Towson University

#39

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University placed #39 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $49,361. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walden University

#40

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #40 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public school based in Magnolia, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Students borrow a median of $20,385 to complete their Special Education program here. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,386 a decade after entry. Set against $20,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

#41

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,397 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $23,397 median debt. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report

#42

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,211. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Los Angeles report

#42

Assumption College

Worcester, MA

Assumption College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Assumption College is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,356. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,995. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,895 ten years after entry. Set against $26,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Assumption College

#44

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,671 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,671 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach

#45

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $20,612 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,612 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read more about University Of Dayton

#46

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#47

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

#48

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of West Georgia

#49

Augusta University

Augusta, GA

Augusta University placed #49 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Graduates carry a median of $25,745 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,472 ten years out. Set against $25,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Augusta University profile

#50

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ

Georgian Court University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Georgian Court University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakewood, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $37,110. Georgian Court University Special Education students take on a median of $24,752 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,096 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,752 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Georgian Court University profile

#51

Georgia College And State University

Milledgeville, GA

Georgia College And State University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,186, compared with $29,512 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $58,140 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Georgia College And State University profile