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 schools 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, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile 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
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Special Education school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. La Salle University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about La Salle University
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwestern College Iowa landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Orange City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Northwestern College Iowa Special Education students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. Northwestern College Iowa has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Northwestern College Iowa
A rank of #4 makes University Of The Cumberlands one of the best values in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,868. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morningside College earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. The median Special Education program debt is $27,281. A decade after starting, 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 landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $15,167 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,328. Set against $15,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Universidad Del Este report
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Special Education program debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Concordia University Irvine came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Special Education students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Concordia University Irvine admits about 66% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
Western Governors University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,158 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Western Governors University profile
Flagler College St Augustine landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Augustine, FL, Flagler College St Augustine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,900. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,547. Median earnings reach $49,483 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,547 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Flagler College St Augustine
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,916. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Ashland University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Ashland University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Ashland University
Fitchburg State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. 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%. More on Fitchburg State University
University Of Scranton offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,777. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,500. University Of Scranton alumni report median earnings of $74,652 a decade after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #15 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 run about $9,572, 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. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $22,542. A decade after starting, 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 the full report on 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,081. The median Special Education program debt is $23,247. 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. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,471. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Midwestern State University placed #19 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Midwestern State University Special Education students take on a median of $26,415 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on Midwestern State University
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Gordon College Special Education students take on a median of $26,372 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full Gordon College profile
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. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,250. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Set against $26,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Wilmington University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Read more about Wilmington University
Minot State University placed #23 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Minot State University
Wayne State College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. The median Special Education program debt is $22,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wayne State College
Bemidji State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Buena Vista University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. The median Special Education program debt is $29,317. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,156. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Buena Vista University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Wilson College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Wilson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chambersburg, PA. 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. Median earnings reach $43,326 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,814 median debt. Wilson College has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Wilson College profile
Concordia University Seward ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Seward
Providence College placed #29 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $63,550 in tuition and fees. Providence College Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Providence College has an acceptance rate of 51%. See the full Providence College profile
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #30 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Westminster College Pa came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,290. The median Special Education program debt is $26,528. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Westminster College Pa profile
Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. Graduates carry a median of $29,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Spring Arbor University
Illinois State University placed #32 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Special Education program debt is $20,436. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $20,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Bethel University Minnesota placed #34 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,764. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. 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. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Gonzaga University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,892 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Gonzaga University
Whitworth University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Whitworth University report
Muskingum University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set 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. The median Special Education program debt is $26,932. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,440. Set against $26,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. 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. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Winona State University
Trinity Christian College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Palos Heights, IL, Trinity Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $20,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,611 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $55,700 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,611 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Trinity Christian College
The College Of New Jersey came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,228. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Southwest Minnesota State University Special Education students take on a median of $30,542 in debt. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Carroll University placed #43 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,890 in tuition and fees. Carroll University Special Education students take on a median of $26,904 in debt. Carroll University alumni report median earnings of $58,009 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Carroll University profile
Fresno Pacific University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,660. The median Special Education program debt is $24,596. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years out. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants. Read the full report on Fresno Pacific University
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,447 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Concordia University Chicago came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Special Education students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Seattle University placed #47 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University Special Education students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Seattle University
Lubbock Christian University placed #48 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $28,540 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,337 to complete their Special Education program here. Lubbock Christian University alumni report median earnings of $53,787 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,337 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lubbock Christian University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Youngstown State University placed #50 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Mount Mercy University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,878. Graduates carry a median of $27,709 in student loans. Mount Mercy University alumni report median earnings of $60,787 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Mercy University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Mount Mercy University
Related Special Education Value Rankings
Explore 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
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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