2026 Best Value Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1022 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 1022 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Special Education student debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #3 makes Western Governors University one of the best values in the United States. Located 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. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,158. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Set against $25,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Governors University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minot State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Minot, ND. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minot State University report
A rank of #5 makes Chadron State College one of the best values in the United States. Chadron State College is a public school based in Chadron, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Students borrow a median of $22,912 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Chadron State College profile
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,974. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wayne State College profile
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,051. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $30,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Southwest Minnesota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Students borrow a median of $30,542 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Broward College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,830, while out-of-state students pay about $8,952. Graduates carry a median of $13,110 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,939. Set against $13,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Broward College report
Dakota State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Madison, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $50,970 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Dakota State University
Miami Dade College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,838, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,671 in student loans. Miami Dade College alumni report median earnings of $40,654 a decade after entry. Set against $9,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Miami Dade College profile
Northern State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,845 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete their Special Education program here. Northern State University alumni report median earnings of $47,618 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Northern State University
Peru State College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Peru State College is a public school based in Peru, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,433. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,254. Peru State College alumni report median earnings of $47,071 a decade after entry. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Peru State College
Mayville State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. Mayville State University Special Education students take on a median of $27,464 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. That is a strong return on a $27,464 median debt. See the full Mayville State University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #15 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Shippensburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Special Education students take on a median of $28,500 in debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Western Carolina University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,485. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Western Carolina University
Indian River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,315 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Indian River State College report
University Of South Dakota landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Granite State College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Manchester, NH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. The median Special Education program debt is $29,935. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Set against $29,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Granite State College
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. The median Special Education program debt is $27,089. Median earnings reach $43,407 ten years out. Set against $27,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Central Michigan University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Nicholls State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,149, with out-of-state students paying around $9,242. Graduates carry a median of $24,513 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nicholls State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Nicholls State University
St Petersburg College placed #23 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,682, while out-of-state students pay about $9,286. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,385. St Petersburg College alumni report median earnings of $42,557 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,385 median debt. More on St Petersburg College
National University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #25 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,775 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Eastern Illinois University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Eastern Illinois University Special Education students take on a median of $26,046 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,989 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,046 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Special Education students take on a median of $19,850 in debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Georgia Gwinnett College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Georgia Gwinnett College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,532, with out-of-state students paying around $13,844. Students borrow a median of $21,280 to complete their Special Education program here. Georgia Gwinnett College alumni report median earnings of $47,730 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,280 median debt. Georgia Gwinnett College has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Georgia Gwinnett College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Special Education students take on a median of $22,875 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. The median Special Education program debt is $21,452. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $21,452 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Winona State University
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $29,125. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
Black Hills State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Spearfish, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Black Hills State University Special Education students take on a median of $26,812 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,674. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Black Hills State University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Black Hills State University profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit school based in Arecibo, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,780 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $9,117. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo alumni report median earnings of $24,539 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,117 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #39 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #40 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $23,607 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Western Illinois University placed #41 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,986. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $25,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school based in Menomonie, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Martin Luther College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,120. The median Special Education program debt is $20,224. Median earnings reach $47,491 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,224 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Martin Luther College report
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,234 in student loans. Henderson State University alumni report median earnings of $43,459 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. Get the full Henderson State University report
Kean University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,446. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Kean University alumni report median earnings of $57,237 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kean University
Suny College At Cortland placed #46 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,874, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. Suny College At Cortland Special Education students take on a median of $25,369 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,236. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about Suny College At Cortland
University Of Memphis placed #48 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. The median Special Education program debt is $23,397. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Memphis
York College Pennsylvania placed #49 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
Nevada State College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,765, compared with $21,833 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,334 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,166. Set against $22,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nevada State College admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Nevada State College
Western Washington University placed #51 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Western Washington University Special Education students take on a median of $29,284 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,569. That is a strong return on a $29,284 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Washington University profile
Related Special Education Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Special Education Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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).
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