2026 Best Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Special Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1022 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Gonzaga University tops our 2026 ranking of the best Special Education bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Gonzaga University profile
A rank of #2 makes The College Of New Jersey one of the top choices in the United States. 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%. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Graduates carry a median of $25,228 in student loans. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey
The strong Special Education programs at Western Washington University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Western Washington University is a public school based in Bellingham, WA. 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. Read the full report on Western Washington University
The strong Special Education programs at Lebanon Valley College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Annville, PA, Lebanon Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lebanon Valley College posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees average $52,080. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. See the full Lebanon Valley College profile
You'll be in good company at Towson University, which ranked #5 this year. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Typical Special Education student debt is $19,750. Get the full Towson University report
Texas Christian University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Texas Christian University Special Education students take on a median of $22,960 in debt. More on Texas Christian University
Central Washington University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,988 in student loans. Read the full report on Central Washington University
Syracuse University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Syracuse University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Syracuse University
Hope College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Holland, MI. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $39,484 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,334 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Hope College
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. About 90% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $22,863 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Illinois State University came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Illinois State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $20,436. Read the full report on Illinois State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign did well this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Special Education students take on a median of $18,925 in debt. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
York College Pennsylvania ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. York College Pennsylvania Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full York College Pennsylvania report
Baylor University did well this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,928 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Baylor University
Juniata College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Huntingdon, PA, Juniata College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,580. Graduates carry a median of $26,976 in student loans. Read more about Juniata College
Dakota State University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Dakota State University is a public school based in Madison, SD. Dakota State University graduates 49% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Dakota State University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Minot State University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 45%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Minot State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. Get the full Minot State University report
Saint Josephs University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. Saint Josephs University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Saint Josephs University
Seton Hall University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Based in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seton Hall University graduates 70% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $53,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Seton Hall University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Based 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. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Saint Martins University did well this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. Saint Martins University graduates 52% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,510. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,818. Get the full Saint Martins University report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania graduates 58% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $29,737. More on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Kean University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Kean University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Rest of the Top 50 Best Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Western Governors University placed #26 among Special Education schools in the United States. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Western Governors University graduates 46% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. The median Special Education program debt is $25,158. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Vanderbilt University landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Vanderbilt University Special Education students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University
University Of Dayton came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,612 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full University Of Dayton profile
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. About 64% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Wisconsin Lutheran College Special Education students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
Winona State University placed #31 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Winona State University
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Special Education students take on a median of $26,276 in debt. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Manhattan College placed #33 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. Manhattan College graduates 64% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $53,400 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $26,329. Read the full report on Manhattan College
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #34 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set 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, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Carthage College landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kenosha, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,750. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,954. See the full Carthage College profile
Northern State University landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Northern State University
Seattle Pacific University placed #37 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Get the full Seattle Pacific University report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #38 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania profile
Centenary College came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Based in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,732. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,081. See the full Centenary College profile
Boston University placed #40 among Special Education schools in the United States. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Boston University graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Boston University report
Suny College At Cortland ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. Suny College At Cortland posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Students borrow a median of $25,369 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Suny College At Cortland profile
Lewis University came in at #42 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. Lewis University graduates 67% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,000. Get the full Lewis University report
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Special Education program debt is $20,836. More on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Augustana College South Dakota came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Augustana College South Dakota is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. In-state tuition and fees average $40,160. Students borrow a median of $26,217 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Augustana College South Dakota
Calvin College came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Calvin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $39,350. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,707. Read more about Calvin College
Nevada State College placed #47 among Special Education schools in the United States. Nevada State College is a public school based in Henderson, NV. Nevada State College graduates 34% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $6,765, compared with $21,833 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $22,334. Read the full report on Nevada State College
Trinity Christian College landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Palos Heights, IL. About 58% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,605. The median Special Education program debt is $35,611. See the full Trinity Christian College profile
Aurora University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. The median Special Education program debt is $24,507. Get the full Aurora University report
University Of Wisconsin Stout did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Stout graduates 55% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $30,000. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Related Special Education Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Special Education Schools (All Levels)
- Best Special Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Special Education Associate’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
This list is compiled 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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