2026 Best Special Education Schools
Looking for the best Special Education programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1022 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Special Education Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Western Washington University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,284. Get the full Western Washington University report
Gonzaga University came in at #2 on this year's Special Education ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Gonzaga University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Gonzaga University profile
You'll be in good company at Lebanon Valley College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Annville, PA, Lebanon Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Lebanon Valley College report
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Special Education program here. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
The strong Special Education programs at Central Washington University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Students borrow a median of $21,988 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Central Washington University
The College Of New Jersey did well this year, earning the #6 position. The College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Ewing, NJ. The College Of New Jersey posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Graduates carry a median of $25,228 in student loans. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
Towson University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. See the full Towson University profile
Hope College came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Holland, MI, Hope College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,484. Graduates carry a median of $26,334 in student loans. See the full Hope College profile
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Johns Hopkins University did well this year, earning the #10 position. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
Bank Street College Of Education came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, Bank Street College Of Education is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Bank Street College Of Education
York College Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. About 64% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full York College Pennsylvania report
Saint Marys College Of California did well this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Moraga, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Students from in state pay about $57,803 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $25,041. Read the full report on Saint Marys College Of California
Baylor University placed #14 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Baylor University graduates 80% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. The median Special Education program debt is $23,928. See the full Baylor University profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System did well this year, earning the #15 position. 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. The median Special Education program debt is $27,471. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Juniata College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Juniata College is a private not-for-profit school based in Huntingdon, PA. Juniata College posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,580. Students borrow a median of $26,976 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Juniata College profile
Dakota State University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, SD. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $31,000. Get the full Dakota State University report
Illinois State University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Illinois State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $20,436. More on Illinois State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #19 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,863. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Minnesota State University Mankato did well this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Minnesota State University Mankato posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Fresno Pacific University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,596. More on Fresno Pacific University
University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #23 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Saint Martins University placed #24 among Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. About 52% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Saint Martins University Special Education students take on a median of $22,818 in debt. Read the full report on Saint Martins University
Point Loma Nazarene University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,542 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Point Loma Nazarene University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best Special Education Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
University Of Scranton did well this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. University Of Scranton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,777. University Of Scranton Special Education students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. More on University Of Scranton
Elizabethtown College did well this year, earning the #27 position. Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit school based in Elizabethtown, PA. About 76% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,950. Elizabethtown College Special Education students take on a median of $26,599 in debt. Read the full report on Elizabethtown College
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Shippensburg, PA. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Special Education students take on a median of $26,276 in debt. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Syracuse University did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Syracuse University
Texas Christian University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Texas Christian University graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Texas Christian University Special Education students take on a median of $22,960 in debt. More on Texas Christian University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire graduates 65% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,925 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #34 position. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Students borrow a median of $29,737 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania report
Manhattan College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverdale, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Students from in state pay about $53,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,329 in student loans. Read the full report on Manhattan College
Winona State University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Winona State University graduates 56% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. See the full Winona State University profile
Vanderbilt University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
Seattle University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seattle University graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Seattle University Special Education students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. See the full Seattle University profile
Seton Hall University placed #39 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. The median Special Education program debt is $25,000. Read more about Seton Hall University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #40 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania graduates 70% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Los Angeles landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. California State University Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. About 53% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about California State University Los Angeles
Westminster College Pa landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. Westminster College Pa graduates 65% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $40,290. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,528. See the full Westminster College Pa profile
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. Indiana University Bloomington posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. Olivet Nazarene University posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Read the full report on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Northern State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Northern State University is a public school based in Aberdeen, SD. Northern State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,143. Get the full Northern State University report
Carroll University placed #47 among Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waukesha, WI. Carroll University posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. 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. Read more about Carroll University
Seattle Pacific University came in at #48 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. The median Special Education program debt is $25,188. More on Seattle Pacific University
Augusta University landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. About 49% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. Graduates carry a median of $25,745 in student loans. Read the full report on Augusta University
University Of Dayton ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $20,612 in student loans. More on University Of Dayton
Best Special Education Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Special Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · 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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