2026 Best Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Minnesota State University Mankato tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Special Education graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #2 makes Worcester State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $24,451. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Worcester State University profile
A rank of #3 makes Viterbo University one of the best values in the United States. Set in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $55,660 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Viterbo University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minot State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. Minot State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Minot State University
A rank of #5 makes Concordia University Seward one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. The median Special Education program debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Hamline University placed #7 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Special Education program here. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Hamline University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,436. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Illinois State University
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,797. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Fitchburg State University placed #10 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Special Education students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Mcdaniel College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Winona State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. 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 has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Winona State University report
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Baldwin Wallace College Special Education students take on a median of $27,307 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,122 ten years after entry. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report
Alverno College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Alverno College
Whitworth University placed #15 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Whitworth University Special Education students take on a median of $26,051 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Whitworth University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Whitworth University report
Arizona State University Skysong placed #16 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Special Education program debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Granite State College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Granite State College Special Education students take on a median of $29,935 in debt. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,935 median debt. Get the full Granite State College report
The College Of New Jersey placed #18 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,228. The College Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $73,323 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,228 median debt. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. More on The College Of New Jersey
Montclair State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
Liberty University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Liberty University
Midland University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fremont, NE, Midland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,050. The median Special Education program debt is $27,536. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,163. That is a strong return on a $27,536 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Midland University
College Of Mount St Joseph came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. College Of Mount St Joseph is a private not-for-profit school based in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $38,150 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,273 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about College Of Mount St Joseph
Saint Cloud State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Set against $28,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Cloud State University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,360. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,344 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
Marywood University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. The median Special Education program debt is $27,744. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read the full report on Marywood University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Endicott College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,650. The median Special Education program debt is $25,973. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,336 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,973 median debt. Endicott College admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Endicott College
Rowan University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,488 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,988 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Rowan University
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Special Education students take on a median of $23,399 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Lynchburg College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $36,750 in tuition and fees. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,380. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lynchburg College
National University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Typical Special Education student debt is $30,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Read more about National University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #32 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Special Education students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Henderson State University is a public school based in Arkadelphia, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. 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. See the full Henderson State University profile
University Of West Alabama ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. University Of West Alabama is a public school based in Livingston, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,990, while out-of-state students pay about $20,090. The median Special Education program debt is $31,894. University Of West Alabama alumni report median earnings of $44,232 a decade after entry. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of West Alabama
Mount St Marys College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $49,564. Students borrow a median of $27,555 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,379. That is a strong return on a $27,555 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mount St Marys College report
Niagara University placed #35 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,345 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Niagara University alumni report median earnings of $56,196 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Niagara University admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full Niagara University report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Towson University Special Education students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Towson University
Walden University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Magnolia, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $9,960, compared with $15,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,385. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,385 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus report
University Of Memphis ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,397 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Memphis
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,211. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about California State University Los Angeles
Assumption College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Worcester, MA, Assumption College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,356. Students borrow a median of $26,995 to complete their Special Education program here. Median earnings reach $74,895 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Assumption College has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Assumption College
California State University Long Beach ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $15,671. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
University Of Dayton ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Typical Special Education student debt is $20,612. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $20,612 median debt. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about University Of Dayton
Texas Tech University placed #46 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of West Georgia placed #48 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. University Of West Georgia Special Education students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
Augusta University placed #49 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Typical Special Education student debt is $25,745. Augusta University alumni report median earnings of $48,472 a decade after entry. Set against $25,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Augusta University report
Georgian Court University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Georgian Court University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakewood, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,110. Graduates carry a median of $24,752 in student loans. Georgian Court University alumni report median earnings of $53,096 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgian Court University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Georgian Court University
Georgia College And State University placed #51 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Milledgeville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,186, while out-of-state students pay about $29,512. Georgia College And State University Special Education students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Georgia College And State University
Related Special Education Value Rankings
Explore 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Special Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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