2026 Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Leading the list is Illinois State University, our #1 best-value Special Education school in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, 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. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile

#2

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

You'll get strong value at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #2 this year. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#3

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

You'll get strong value at Texas Womans University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,211. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Womans University

#4

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

You'll get strong value at University Of North Texas, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. The median Special Education program debt is $21,817. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas

#5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #5 spot. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Special Education student debt is $16,481. 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 admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#6

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Special Education program debt is $24,271. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report

#7

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,552. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full Kennesaw State University profile

#8

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#9

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia placed #9 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about University Of Georgia

#10

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Special Education student debt is $14,238. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report

#11

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,986. Duquesne University Special Education students take on a median of $26,297 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,742. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Duquesne University profile

#12

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,294. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile

#12

Saint Louis University Main Campus

Saint Louis, MO

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. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus

#14

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. 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. The median Special Education program debt is $21,903. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Washington State University

#15

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

#16

Utah State University

Logan, UT

Utah State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Logan, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $18,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Utah State University report

#17

University Of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete their Special Education program here. 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. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of San Francisco

#18

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. 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. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,863. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,863 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report

#18

University Of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

University Of Northern Colorado placed #18 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. The median Special Education program debt is $26,564. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,231. That is a strong return on a $26,564 median debt. University Of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado

#20

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,925 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $18,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile

#21

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #21 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Typical Special Education student debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas

#22

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

Lamar University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Lamar University alumni report median earnings of $49,652 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Lamar University report

#22

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University placed #22 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Special Education student debt is $23,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full Clemson University profile

#24

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,602. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,602 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report

#24

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Utah report

#26

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#26

University Of Illinois At Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,115. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile

#28

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park

#29

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,463. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on University Of Iowa

#30

Florida International University

Miami, FL

Florida International University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Miami, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Florida International University

#31

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Ball State University report

#32

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University placed #32 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Western Michigan University

#32

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University

#34

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas placed #34 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas

#35

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida placed #35 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida

#36

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia placed #36 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $20,357 to complete their Special Education program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $20,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

#37

Kent State University At Kent

Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Special Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report

#38

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Syracuse University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,164 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Get the full Syracuse University report

#39

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University placed #39 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. The median Special Education program debt is $22,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full Auburn University profile

#40

University Of New Mexico Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their Special Education program here. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile

#41

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile

#42

Portland State University

Portland, OR

Portland State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,475. Portland State University alumni report median earnings of $57,906 a decade after entry. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Portland State University

#43

The University Of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The University Of Alabama Special Education students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. The University Of Alabama alumni report median earnings of $59,221 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full The University Of Alabama report

#44

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Virginia Commonwealth University alumni report median earnings of $58,128 a decade after entry. Set against $23,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University

#45

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. University Of Kentucky Special Education students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky

#46

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. 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. See the full Vanderbilt University profile

#47

University Of Toledo

Toledo, OH

University Of Toledo placed #47 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,073. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,632. Set against $22,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on University Of Toledo

#48

Chapman University

Orange, CA

Chapman University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Chapman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,984. Students borrow a median of $21,657 to complete their Special Education program here. Chapman University alumni report median earnings of $70,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,657 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on Chapman University

#49

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located 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. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,034. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,324 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Oregon

#50

University Of South Carolina Columbia

Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #50 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Students borrow a median of $24,472 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,177. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia