2026 Best Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Special Education master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Special Education school in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. La Salle University Special Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full La Salle University report
A rank of #3 makes Northwestern College Iowa one of the best values in the United States. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. The median Special Education program debt is $25,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,802. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern College Iowa
You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsburg, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morningside College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,281. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morningside College has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Morningside College
Universidad Del Este placed #6 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. The median Special Education program debt is $15,167. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,328. That is a strong return on a $15,167 median debt. Get the full Universidad Del Este report
Brigham Young University Provo placed #7 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. 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. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Concordia University Irvine ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,085. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
Western Governors University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $25,158 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $25,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Governors University
Flagler College St Augustine ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Augustine, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,900. Graduates carry a median of $25,547 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,483 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Flagler College St Augustine
Wisconsin Lutheran College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Students borrow a median of $26,916 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wisconsin Lutheran College profile
Ashland University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Ashland University
Fitchburg State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Special Education program debt is $25,840. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
University Of Scranton landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. The median Special Education program debt is $26,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. The median Special Education program debt is $22,542. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,998 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,542 median debt. Point Loma Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. The median Special Education program debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,471. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $26,415 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midwestern State University
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,700. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,372. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Gordon College report
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Special Education program debt is $26,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Wilmington University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Wilmington University Special Education students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wilmington University
Minot State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Minot State University report
Wayne State College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. The median Special Education program debt is $22,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wayne State College
Bemidji State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $25,819. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete their Special Education program here. 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. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Wilson College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,100. Wilson College Special Education students take on a median of $34,814 in debt. Wilson College alumni report median earnings of $43,326 a decade after entry. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Wilson College profile
Concordia University Seward came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Concordia University Seward Special Education students take on a median of $26,726 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Concordia University Seward
Providence College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Located in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,550. The median Special Education program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Providence College admits about 51% of applicants. Get the full Providence College report
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Westminster College Pa landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,290 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their Special Education program here. Westminster College Pa alumni report median earnings of $53,861 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Westminster College Pa
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,436 to complete their Special Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
Spring Arbor University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Typical Special Education student debt is $29,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete their Special Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $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 the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Gonzaga University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Typical Special Education student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,892 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Gonzaga University profile
Whitworth University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Students borrow a median of $26,051 to complete their Special Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Whitworth University
Muskingum University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,701. Typical Special Education student debt is $26,932. Muskingum University alumni report median earnings of $48,440 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Muskingum University
Winona State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
Trinity Christian College placed #40 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Set in Palos Heights, IL, Trinity Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,605. Graduates carry a median of $35,611 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,700 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Trinity Christian College
The College Of New Jersey came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. The median Special Education program debt is $25,228. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,228 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey
Southwest Minnesota State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,542 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,890. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Special Education program here. Carroll University alumni report median earnings of $58,009 a decade after entry. Set against $26,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read more about Carroll University
Fresno Pacific University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,660 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,596 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about Fresno Pacific University
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Special Education program here. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Concordia University Chicago came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. The median Special Education program debt is $26,956. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Seattle University placed #47 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. The median Special Education program debt is $22,289. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Seattle University
Lubbock Christian University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Special Education schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,540. Typical Special Education student debt is $28,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,787. Set against $28,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lubbock Christian University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Special Education students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Youngstown State University placed #50 among the best-value Special Education schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Special Education students take on a median of $29,125 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,125 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Mount Mercy University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,878. Graduates carry a median of $27,709 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,787 ten years out. Set against $27,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mount Mercy University
Related Special Education Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 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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