2026 Best Value Special Education Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1022 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full La Salle University profile
You'll get strong value at Santa Fe Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Santa Fe Community College is a public school based in Santa Fe, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,851, while out-of-state students pay about $4,131. Typical Special Education student debt is $15,267. Median earnings reach $38,005 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,267 median debt. Read more about Santa Fe Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwestern College Iowa earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Special Education program here. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #5 on this year's best-value Special Education ranking in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Special Education students take on a median of $13,287 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Special Education program debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Western Governors University placed #7 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,158 to complete their Special Education program here. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Governors University
Chadron State College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,294. Graduates carry a median of $22,912 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,002 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chadron State College report
University Of The Cumberlands offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. Students borrow a median of $22,868 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Morningside College placed #10 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,281 in student loans. Morningside College alumni report median earnings of $55,494 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,281 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Morningside College
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $10,942. Median earnings reach $32,912 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Itawamba Community College
Minot State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minot, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,788. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Minot State University
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,451. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Worcester State University profile
Pima Community College placed #14 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $15,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,810. That is a strong return on a $15,200 median debt. See the full Pima Community College profile
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Typical Special Education student debt is $16,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Concordia University Irvine landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,051. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #18 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 average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Wayne State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Wayne State College Special Education students take on a median of $22,974 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wayne State College profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Typical Special Education student debt is $14,997. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Broward College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,830, with out-of-state students paying around $8,952. Broward College Special Education students take on a median of $13,110 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Broward College
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,361. The median Special Education program debt is $30,542. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. Set against $30,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Hamline University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $25,530. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hamline University
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
University Of Scranton came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. 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. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Scranton
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. Graduates carry a median of $22,542 in student loans. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
Gordon College placed #29 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. Students from in state pay about $30,700 in tuition and fees. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,372. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gordon College admits about 69% of applicants. More on Gordon College
Miami Dade College placed #30 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,838, with out-of-state students paying around $9,661. Students borrow a median of $9,671 to complete their Special Education program here. Miami Dade College alumni report median earnings of $40,654 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Miami Dade College
Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. The median Special Education program debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,970. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Dakota State University
Wilmington University placed #32 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,054. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wilmington University report
Northern State University placed #33 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Northern State University is a public school based in Aberdeen, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Northern State University Special Education students take on a median of $26,143 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Northern State University report
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. 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
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Peru State College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,433 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,071. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. Read more about Peru State College
Wilson College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Wilson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chambersburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,100. The median Special Education program debt is $34,814. Median earnings reach $43,326 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Wilson College
Midwestern State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. 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. Read the full report on Midwestern State University
Mayville State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. The median Special Education program debt is $27,464. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,828. Set against $27,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mayville State University
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $10,112. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Westminster College Pa placed #42 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,290. Graduates carry a median of $26,528 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,861 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Westminster College Pa
Western Carolina University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $20,485 to complete their Special Education program here. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,485 median debt. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Alverno College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,086. Students borrow a median of $34,425 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,145. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Alverno College profile
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Special Education students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Buena Vista University placed #47 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,798. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,317. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Set against $29,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Buena Vista University
Granite State College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Graduates carry a median of $29,935 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,479. That is a strong return on a $29,935 median debt. See the full Granite State College profile
Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,890. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,904. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,009 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carroll University admits about 67% of applicants. Get the full Carroll University report
Indian River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, while out-of-state students pay about $10,201. Indian River State College Special Education students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,315 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Indian River State College
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Best Value Special Education Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.