2026 Best Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato tops our 2026 ranking of the best Special Education graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato

#2

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University came in at #2 on this year's Special Education ranking in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Special Education students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report

#3

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

You'll be in good company at University Of Virginia Main Campus, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Special Education student debt is $18,627. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile

#4

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

You'll be in good company at Purdue University Main Campus, which ranked #4 this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. 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

#5

Saint Marys College Of California

Moraga, CA

Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Saint Marys College Of California landed the #5 spot. Based in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,803. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,041. Read more about Saint Marys College Of California

#6

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington did well this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Special Education students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. More on Indiana University Bloomington

#7

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Towson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. 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. More on Towson University

#8

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University did well this year, earning the #8 position. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. George Mason University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. The median Special Education program debt is $23,529. More on George Mason University

#9

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC

Appalachian State University placed #9 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,579, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Appalachian State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read more about Appalachian State University

#10

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Ball State University graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Ball State University report

#11

The College Of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ

The College Of New Jersey did well this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,228 in student loans. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile

#12

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Special Education students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Read the full report on George Washington University

#13

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University placed #13 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Read more about Illinois State University

#14

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Olivet Nazarene University graduates 61% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile

#15

Augusta University

Augusta, GA

Augusta University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. About 49% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,414, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,745. See the full Augusta University profile

#16

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Winona State University report

#17

Minot State University

Minot, ND

Minot State University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Minot State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 45%. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,788. Read the full report on Minot State University

#18

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Special Education students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. Read more about University Of Florida

#19

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI

Viterbo University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. Viterbo University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,107. Read the full report on Viterbo University

#20

Georgia College And State University

Milledgeville, GA

Georgia College And State University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Located in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. Georgia College And State University graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,186, while out-of-state students pay about $29,512. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,000. See the full Georgia College And State University profile

#21

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,387 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#22

University Of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK

University Of Alaska Fairbanks ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public school based in Fairbanks, AK. University Of Alaska Fairbanks graduates 39% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,083, compared with $25,892 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $23,439. More on University Of Alaska Fairbanks

#23

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. 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. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report

#24

Cuny City College

New York, NY

Cuny City College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This public school is set in New York, NY. About 57% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,340, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Students borrow a median of $13,389 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Cuny City College profile

#25

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,488. See the full Rowan University profile

#26

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,789. Get the full University Of West Georgia report

#27

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. University Of Kansas Special Education students take on a median of $23,608 in debt. See the full University Of Kansas profile

#28

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #28 in this year's ranking. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report

#29

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Hamline University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,530. See the full Hamline University profile

#30

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University did well this year, earning the #30 position. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,218 in student loans. Read the full report on James Madison University

#31

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

East Carolina University placed #31 among Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. East Carolina University graduates 63% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. East Carolina University Special Education students take on a median of $26,416 in debt. See the full East Carolina University profile

#32

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Dayton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,140. University Of Dayton Special Education students take on a median of $20,612 in debt. See the full University Of Dayton profile

#33

Rider University

Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University placed #33 among Special Education schools in the United States. Rider University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lawrenceville, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,120. Rider University Special Education students take on a median of $26,241 in debt. Read the full report on Rider University

#34

Midland University

Fremont, NE

Midland University did well this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Fremont, NE, Midland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,050. The median Special Education program debt is $27,536. More on Midland University

#35

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Typical Special Education student debt is $14,430. More on California State University Los Angeles

#36

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA

Whitworth University landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Whitworth University graduates 71% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. See the full Whitworth University profile

#37

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $15,671. More on California State University Long Beach

#38

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full University Of Georgia report

#39

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #39 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania graduates 70% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile

#40

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#41

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#42

National University

San Diego, CA

National University placed #42 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full National University profile

#43

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University did well this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Montclair State University graduates 65% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Special Education program debt is $25,286. Get the full Montclair State University report

#44

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $25,110. Read more about University Of North Dakota

#46

University Of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK

University Of Alaska Anchorage came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Based in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 28%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. The median Special Education program debt is $21,787. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Anchorage

#47

College Of William And Mary

Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary placed #47 among Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,935 in student loans. See the full College Of William And Mary profile

#48

Baldwin Wallace College

Berea, OH

Baldwin Wallace College landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,307. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report

#49

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. The median Special Education program debt is $23,521. Read more about Loyola University Chicago

#50

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University did well this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Drexel University Special Education students take on a median of $28,838 in debt. Get the full Drexel University report

#51

Cuny Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Brooklyn College landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. Cuny Brooklyn College graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,452, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,303 in student loans. See the full Cuny Brooklyn College profile