2026 Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1022 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 reviewed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Illinois State University to be the best-value Special Education school in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,436 in student loans. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,436 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
A rank of #2 makes Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values in the United States. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Womans University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Special Education program debt is $24,211. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Texas Womans University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Texas earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,817. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
A rank of #5 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Special Education students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Texas Tech University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Special Education students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. That is a strong return on a $27,004 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Georgia came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median Special Education program debt is $22,250. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
University Of California Berkeley placed #10 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $14,238. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Duquesne University placed #11 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,297. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,742. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Duquesne University
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Saint Louis University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,586. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Washington State University
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Special Education students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $18,125 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
University Of San Francisco landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. University Of San Francisco Special Education students take on a median of $23,935 in debt. Median earnings reach $89,812 ten years out. Set against $23,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full University Of San Francisco report
University Of Northern Colorado landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,564. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. Set against $26,564 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Northern Colorado report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,863 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $18,925 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $18,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Clemson University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
Lamar University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Students borrow a median of $26,988 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,652 ten years after entry. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lamar University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Utah ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Utah
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Special Education program debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,115. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,740. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Special Education students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
University Of Iowa landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Iowa
Florida International University placed #30 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Florida International University Special Education students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Florida International University
Ball State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. The median Special Education program debt is $23,250. Ball State University alumni report median earnings of $51,833 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Ball State University
Western Michigan University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Western Michigan University Special Education students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Western Michigan University
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical Special Education student debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Kansas ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Special Education program here. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,357. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $20,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Kent State University At Kent ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Special Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
Syracuse University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,164. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Syracuse University report
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. The median Special Education program debt is $22,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on Auburn University
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Portland State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Portland State University Special Education students take on a median of $26,475 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,906 ten years after entry. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Portland State University
The University Of Alabama placed #43 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The University Of Alabama Special Education students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
Virginia Commonwealth University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school based in Richmond, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,128. Set against $23,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Kentucky landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Vanderbilt University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. The median Special Education program debt is $13,975. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of Toledo placed #47 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, while out-of-state students pay about $21,517. Graduates carry a median of $22,073 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,632. That is a strong return on a $22,073 median debt. University Of Toledo admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Toledo
Chapman University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Orange, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,984. Graduates carry a median of $21,657 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,070. Set against $21,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Chapman University admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full Chapman University report
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. University Of Oregon Special Education students take on a median of $22,034 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,324. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Oregon profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Students borrow a median of $24,472 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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