2026 Best Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

For return on investment, no school beat Minnesota State University Mankato this year in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report

#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. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $24,451. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Worcester State University

#3

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI

Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Viterbo University landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,250. Viterbo University Special Education students take on a median of $29,107 in debt. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Viterbo University profile

#4

Minot State University

Minot, ND

You'll get strong value at Minot State University, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,788. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minot State University

#5

Concordia University Seward

Seward, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Concordia University Seward earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,726. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward

#6

Concordia University Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Special Education students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul

#7

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University placed #7 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hamline University

#8

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Special Education students take on a median of $20,436 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $20,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University

#9

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. More on Olivet Nazarene University

#10

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $25,840. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fitchburg State University report

#11

Mcdaniel College

Westminster, MD

Mcdaniel College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $23,247. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. 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. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Winona State University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Winona State University

#13

Baldwin Wallace College

Berea, OH

Baldwin Wallace College placed #13 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,307. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report

#14

Alverno College

Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Graduates carry a median of $34,425 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,145. Set against $34,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Alverno College

#15

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA

Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. The median Special Education program debt is $26,051. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Whitworth University

#16

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong

#17

Granite State College

Manchester, NH

Granite State College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $29,935 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. 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 placed #18 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. The College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Ewing, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Special Education students take on a median of $25,228 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,228 median debt. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey

#19

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Montclair State University profile

#20

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $29,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $29,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University

#22

Midland University

Fremont, NE

Midland University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Midland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fremont, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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 ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Cincinnati, OH, College Of Mount St Joseph is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,150. Students borrow a median of $28,273 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,509. Set against $28,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full College Of Mount St Joseph report

#24

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report

#25

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

Baltimore, MD

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,344. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

#26

Marywood University

Scranton, PA

Marywood University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. The median Special Education program debt is $27,744. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full Marywood University profile

#27

Endicott College

Beverly, MA

Endicott College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Beverly, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,650. Endicott College Special Education students take on a median of $25,973 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,336. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report 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. Rowan University Special Education students take on a median of $24,488 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about 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. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Special Education students take on a median of $23,399 in debt. 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 landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $36,750. Lynchburg College alumni report median earnings of $56,380 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 43%. Get the full Lynchburg College report

#31

National University

San Diego, CA

National University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. National University Special Education students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Get the full National University report

#32

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based 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. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,500. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri State University Springfield

#33

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR

Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Henderson State University Special Education students take on a median of $23,234 in debt. Henderson State University alumni report median earnings of $43,459 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. See the full Henderson State University profile

#34

University Of West Alabama

Livingston, AL

University Of West Alabama came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. University Of West Alabama Special Education students take on a median of $31,894 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,232 ten years out. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about University Of West Alabama

#35

Niagara University

Niagara University, NY

Niagara University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,345. Niagara University Special Education students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,196. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Niagara University

#35

Mount St Marys College

Los Angeles, CA

Mount St Marys College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $49,564 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,555 to complete their Special Education program here. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,555 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mount St Marys College

#37

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical Special Education student debt is $19,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Towson University report

#39

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. 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 came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,960, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus report

#41

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $23,397. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Memphis

#42

Assumption College

Worcester, MA

Assumption College placed #42 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Worcester, MA, Assumption College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,356. Students borrow a median of $26,995 to complete their Special Education program here. 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. See the full Assumption College profile

#42

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. California State University Los Angeles Special Education students take on a median of $14,430 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,211. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile

#44

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,671 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. More on California State University Long Beach

#45

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. The median Special Education program debt is $20,612. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. Set against $20,612 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Dayton

#46

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. 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. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report

#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. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile

#48

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. University Of West Georgia is a public school based in Carrollton, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. University Of West Georgia Special Education students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia

#49

Augusta University

Augusta, GA

Augusta University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $25,745. Augusta University alumni report median earnings of $48,472 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,745 median debt. Augusta University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Augusta University

#50

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ

Georgian Court University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lakewood, NJ, Georgian Court University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,110. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,752. Georgian Court University alumni report median earnings of $53,096 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Georgian Court University report

#51

Georgia College And State University

Milledgeville, GA

Georgia College And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,186, with out-of-state students paying around $29,512. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Georgia College And State University