2026 Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Bank Street College Of Education

New York, NY

No school ranked higher than Bank Street College Of Education this year in the United States. Bank Street College Of Education is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. More on Bank Street College Of Education

#2

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

A rank of #2 makes Teachers College At Columbia University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Get the full Teachers College At Columbia University report

#3

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

The strong Special Education programs at Gonzaga University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Gonzaga University report

#4

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

Aliso Viejo, CA

You'll be in good company at Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System, which ranked #4 this year. Set 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. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Special Education students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

#5

The College Of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ

Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, The College Of New Jersey landed the #5 spot. Based 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 run about $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Special Education students take on a median of $25,228 in debt. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey

#6

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA

Fresno Pacific University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fresno, CA. Fresno Pacific University graduates 50% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $36,660. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,596. Get the full Fresno Pacific University report

#7

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. The median Special Education program debt is $16,481. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#8

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA

Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. The median Special Education program debt is $22,542. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University

#9

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Special Education program here. More on University Of Scranton

#10

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #10 among Special Education schools in the United States. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. More on Johns Hopkins University

#11

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA

Elizabethtown College placed #11 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Elizabethtown College graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,950. Elizabethtown College Special Education students take on a median of $26,599 in debt. Read the full report on Elizabethtown College

#12

Manhattan College

Riverdale, NY

Manhattan College came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Based in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,400. Students borrow a median of $26,329 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Manhattan College

#13

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles did well this year, earning the #13 position. California State University Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. The median Special Education program debt is $14,430. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles

#14

Seattle University

Seattle, WA

Seattle University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Seattle University graduates 76% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $22,289. Read the full report on Seattle University

#15

Westminster College Pa

New Wilmington, PA

Westminster College Pa placed #15 among Special Education schools in the United States. Located in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,290. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,528. Read more about Westminster College Pa

#16

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI

Carroll University placed #16 among Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $38,890 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Carroll University

#17

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Special Education program here. Read more about Vanderbilt University

#18

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin Lutheran College did well this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,916 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Wisconsin Lutheran College profile

#19

University Of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of St Thomas Minnesota posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. The median Special Education program debt is $23,923. See the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota profile

#20

Notre Dame De Namur University

Belmont, CA

Notre Dame De Namur University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Belmont, CA, Notre Dame De Namur University is a private not-for-profit institution. Notre Dame De Namur University posts a six-year graduation rate of 7%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,792. Graduates carry a median of $26,524 in student loans. Read more about Notre Dame De Namur University

#21

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA

Loyola Marymount University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile

#22

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $22,863 to complete their Special Education program here. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#23

Northwestern College Iowa

Orange City, IA

Northwestern College Iowa placed #23 among Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Orange City, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report

#24

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University placed #24 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%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Get the full Winona State University report

#25

Saint Josephs University

Philadelphia, PA

Saint Josephs University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Saint Josephs University posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. Students from in state pay about $53,260 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Get the full Saint Josephs University report

#26

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Towson University graduates 70% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Towson University Special Education students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. Get the full Towson University report

#27

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University graduates 88% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. More on Lehigh University

#28

California State University San Marcos

San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Set in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. California State University San Marcos graduates 55% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. Typical Special Education student debt is $17,527. Read the full report on California State University San Marcos

#29

University Of Redlands

Redlands, CA

University Of Redlands did well this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,175 in student loans. See the full University Of Redlands profile

#30

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University placed #30 among Special Education schools in the United States. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Syracuse University

#31

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA

Whitworth University did well this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. The median Special Education program debt is $26,051. More on Whitworth University

#32

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. California State University Long Beach graduates 69% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. The median Special Education program debt is $15,671. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach

#33

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Read the full report on George Mason University

#34

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

Concordia University Irvine did well this year, earning the #34 position. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. About 58% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile

#35

Saint Marys College Of California

Moraga, CA

Saint Marys College Of California landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit school based in Moraga, CA. Saint Marys College Of California posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,803. Graduates carry a median of $25,041 in student loans. Read the full report on Saint Marys College Of California

#36

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,861. Read the full report on University Of Delaware

#37

Centenary College

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Based in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 55% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,732. The median Special Education program debt is $25,081. Read more about Centenary College

#38

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Special Education schools. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. 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

#39

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Lewis University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Lewis University graduates 67% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $25,000. Read more about Lewis University

#40

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University did well this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Texas Christian University

#41

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI

Carthage College did well this year, earning the #41 position. Carthage College is a private not-for-profit school based in Kenosha, WI. Carthage College graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,750. Students borrow a median of $25,954 to complete their Special Education program here. More on Carthage College

#42

National University

San Diego, CA

National University landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. National University graduates 50% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Special Education program here. See the full National University profile

#43

Pace University New York

New York, NY

Pace University New York came in at #43 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Pace University New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. In-state tuition and fees average $53,510. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Get the full Pace University New York report

#44

University Of Mary

Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete their Special Education program here. Read the full report on University Of Mary

#45

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Special Education program debt is $20,436. See the full Illinois State University profile

#46

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Ball State University is a public school based in Muncie, IN. About 62% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read the full report on Ball State University

#47

New York University

New York, NY

New York University landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Get the full New York University report

#48

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. About 84% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Special Education students take on a median of $25,120 in debt. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick

#49

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota placed #49 among Special Education schools in the United States. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. About 71% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report

#50

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Special Education student debt is $19,273. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo