2026 Best Value Special Education Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1022 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Special Education Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Salle University
Northwestern College Iowa came in at #3 on this year's best-value Special Education ranking in the United States. Set in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,710. Northwestern College Iowa Special Education students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,802. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern College Iowa admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Northwestern College Iowa
You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #4 this year. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. Students borrow a median of $22,868 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $45,036 ten years out. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of The Cumberlands
A rank of #5 makes Morningside College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,281. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. That is a strong return on a $27,281 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Morningside College
Universidad Del Este ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Carolina, PR. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $15,167. Median earnings reach $24,328 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Universidad Del Este profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Worcester State University placed #8 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,451. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Worcester State University profile
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Special Education program debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Concordia University Irvine ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. More on Concordia University Irvine
Viterbo University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Viterbo University profile
Western Governors University placed #12 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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 the full report on Western Governors University
Flagler College St Augustine came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Augustine, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,900. The median Special Education program debt is $25,547. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,483. That is a strong return on a $25,547 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Flagler College St Augustine
Wisconsin Lutheran College placed #14 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,110. The median Special Education program debt is $26,916. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wisconsin Lutheran College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Ashland University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Ashland University
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. 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. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Hamline University placed #17 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Hamline University Special Education students take on a median of $25,530 in debt. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Hamline University
University Of Scranton placed #18 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Point Loma Nazarene University placed #19 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,542. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Midwestern State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. 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. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Mcdaniel College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. 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. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Gordon College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wenham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,372. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gordon College
Minot State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Minot State University
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on Olivet Nazarene University
Northwest Missouri State University placed #26 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Special Education program debt is $26,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Concordia University Seward placed #27 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Special Education program here. 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. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Illinois State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. 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
Wilmington University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. 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. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Wayne State College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,974. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,075. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. Read the full report on Wayne State College
Bemidji State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Students borrow a median of $25,819 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about Bemidji State University
Buena Vista University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Buena Vista University
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,026. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Wilson College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Students borrow a median of $34,814 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $43,326 ten years out. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Wilson College
Winona State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Winona State University
Providence College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Providence College is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,550. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Providence College alumni report median earnings of $87,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted. See the full Providence College profile
Westminster College Pa came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,290. Westminster College Pa Special Education students take on a median of $26,528 in debt. Westminster College Pa alumni report median earnings of $53,861 a decade after entry. Set against $26,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Westminster College Pa
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Graduates carry a median of $34,425 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,145 ten years after entry. Set against $34,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alverno College admits about 86% of applicants. More on Alverno College
Spring Arbor University placed #38 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spring Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,750. Median earnings reach $51,732 ten years out. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. More on Spring Arbor University
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Arizona State University Skysong placed #41 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. Arizona State University Skysong Special Education students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Gonzaga University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Gonzaga University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Gonzaga University
Whitworth University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Students borrow a median of $26,051 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. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Whitworth University profile
Muskingum University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,701 in tuition and fees. Muskingum University Special Education students take on a median of $26,932 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,440. Set against $26,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Muskingum University
Granite State College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Special Education program debt is $29,935. Granite State College alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Granite State College report
Trinity Christian College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Palos Heights, IL. Students from in state pay about $20,605 in tuition and fees. Trinity Christian College Special Education students take on a median of $35,611 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,700. That is a strong return on a $35,611 median debt. Trinity Christian College has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Trinity Christian College profile
The College Of New Jersey landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. The College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, 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. That is a strong return on a $25,228 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #48 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,542. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,542 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Carroll University placed #49 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,890. Graduates carry a median of $26,904 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,009. Set against $26,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Carroll University report
Fresno Pacific University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,660 in tuition and fees. Fresno Pacific University Special Education students take on a median of $24,596 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fresno Pacific University
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #51 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,447 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Best Value Special Education Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Special Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (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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