2026 Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is La Salle University, our #1 best-value Special Education school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on La Salle University
A rank of #3 makes Northwestern College Iowa one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Orange City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. The median Special Education program debt is $25,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,802 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern College Iowa
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #4 on this year's best-value Special Education ranking in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morningside College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Students borrow a median of $27,281 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Morningside College
Universidad Del Este offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit school based in Carolina, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Typical Special Education student debt is $15,167. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,328 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Universidad Del Este
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Brigham Young University Provo Special Education students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,085. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
Western Governors University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,158. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Western Governors University
Flagler College St Augustine offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Augustine, FL. Students from in state pay about $29,900 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,547. Flagler College St Augustine alumni report median earnings of $49,483 a decade after entry. Set against $25,547 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Flagler College St Augustine admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Flagler College St Augustine
Wisconsin Lutheran College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,664 ten years out. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Ashland University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Ashland University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Ashland University profile
Fitchburg State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $25,840. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Fitchburg State University
University Of Scranton placed #14 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,777. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,652 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,250. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Mcdaniel College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Mcdaniel College Special Education students take on a median of $23,247 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcdaniel College admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #18 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,471. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Midwestern State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,415 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Gordon College placed #20 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 run about $30,700. The median Special Education program debt is $26,372. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Gordon College
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Special Education program debt is $26,250. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Wilmington University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. The median Special Education program debt is $26,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wilmington University report
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Minot State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minot State University profile
Wayne State College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,974. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. Read the full report on Wayne State College
Bemidji State University placed #25 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $25,819. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,798. Graduates carry a median of $29,317 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Set against $29,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Buena Vista University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Wilson College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,100 in tuition and fees. Wilson College Special Education students take on a median of $34,814 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,326 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,814 median debt. Wilson College has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Wilson College
Concordia University Seward ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,726. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Providence College placed #29 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,550. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Providence College admits about 51% of applicants. More on Providence College
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Concordia University Saint Paul Special Education students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Westminster College Pa ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,290. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their Special Education program here. Westminster College Pa alumni report median earnings of $53,861 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. Westminster College Pa has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Westminster College Pa report
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Special Education students take on a median of $20,436 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,436 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. Students borrow a median of $29,750 to complete their Special Education program here. Spring Arbor University alumni report median earnings of $51,732 a decade after entry. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,639. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,764. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Arizona State University Skysong placed #35 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Gonzaga University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Gonzaga University profile
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. The median Special Education program debt is $26,051. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Whitworth University
Muskingum University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,701. Muskingum University Special Education students take on a median of $26,932 in debt. Muskingum University alumni report median earnings of $48,440 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Muskingum University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Muskingum University
Winona State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Winona State University report
Trinity Christian College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Palos Heights, IL, Trinity Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,605. The median Special Education program debt is $35,611. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,700 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,611 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Trinity Christian College
The College Of New Jersey placed #41 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $25,228. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $25,228 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,542. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,542 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Carroll University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waukesha, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,890. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,009. That is a strong return on a $26,904 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Carroll University report
Fresno Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,660. The median Special Education program debt is $24,596. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Get the full Fresno Pacific University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,488 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,956. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Seattle University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. The median Special Education program debt is $22,289. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Seattle University report
Lubbock Christian University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,540 in tuition and fees. Lubbock Christian University Special Education students take on a median of $28,337 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,787 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lubbock Christian University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. The median Special Education program debt is $27,081. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Youngstown State University placed #50 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Special Education program debt is $29,125. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Mount Mercy University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,878 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $27,709. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,787. That is a strong return on a $27,709 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Mount Mercy University
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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