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2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

24 Ranked Colleges
438 Degrees Awarded
$17,300 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master's in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

Special Education is the 39th most popular major in the country with 33,249 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, special education graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $43,879 and had an average of $28,500 in loans still to pay off.

Across Illinois, there were 950 special education graduates with average earnings and debt of $45,833 and $25,780 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 438 special education graduates with average earnings and debt of $57,267 and $46,814 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking looked at 24 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in special education. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great special education programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the special education program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 24 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Special Education (Income $0-$30k) in Illinois

Out of the 24 schools in the Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign landed the #1 spot on the list. This large school is located in Champaign, Illinois, and it awarded 8 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

UIUC also took the #1 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are $30,083.

Full University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Special Education Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Illinois at Chicago. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Illinois at Chicago is a large school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 62 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, UIC has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Illinois at Chicago are $27,036, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Special Education at University of Illinois at Chicago

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in Edwardsville, Illinois, and it awarded 5 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at SIUE, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at SIUE are $9,300.

Read full report on Special Education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#4

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois

Out of the 24 schools in the Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #4 spot on the list. NIU is a public institution located in Dekalb, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 53 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

NIU also took the #7 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Northern Illinois University are $11,086.

Full NIU Special Education Report

#5

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
#5 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Lewis University. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Lewis is a private not-for-profit institution located in Romeoville, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 20 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Lewis did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Lewis are $14,780, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Special Education at Lewis University

#6

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois

Saint Xavier University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 19 diplomas to qualified masters’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, SXU has also earned the #12 rank in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Saint Xavier University are $15,450.

Read more about Special Education at SXU

#7

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

Governors State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #7. GSU is a small school located in University Park, Illinois that handed out 2 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

GSU also made our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #20. Average graduate tuition and fees at Governors State University are $14,674, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full GSU Special Education Report

#8

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #8, Eastern Illinois University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Eastern Illinois University is a medium-sized public school situated in Charleston, Illinois. It awarded 12 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

EIU also took the #14 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Eastern Illinois University are $20,761, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Special Education at Eastern Illinois University

#9

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois

With a ranking of #9, Illinois State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Normal, Illinois, this large public school awarded 19 degrees to qualified masters’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

Illinois State also took the #2 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Illinois State University are $11,069, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Illinois State University Special Education Report

#10

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
#15 in overall quality

Western Illinois University landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Western Illinois University is a public institution located in Macomb, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 8 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

WIU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at WIU are $11,996, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Special Education at Western Illinois University

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Carbondale, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s special ed degrees to 1 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, SIUC has also earned the #0 rank in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are $32,928.

Read full report on Special Education at SIUC

#12

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois

Aurora University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #12. This medium-sized school is located in Aurora, Illinois, and it awarded 9 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, Aurora has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Aurora are $13,200, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Aurora Special Education Report

#13

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois
#8 in overall quality

Elmhurst University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Elmhurst is a small school located in Elmhurst, Illinois that handed out 4 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, Elmhurst has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Elmhurst University are $32,300, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Elmhurst University Special Education Report

#14

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

National Louis University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 55 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at NLU, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at National Louis University are $12,096, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full NLU Special Education Report

Northeastern Illinois University landed the #15 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this medium-sized public school handed out 40 degrees to qualified masters’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

Northeastern Illinois University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Northeastern Illinois University are $17,032.

Read more about Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University

#16

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois

Dominican University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. River Forest, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s special ed degrees to 16 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, Dominican U has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Dominican University are $20,884, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Special Education at Dominican University

#17

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois

Concordia University, Chicago ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Concordia University, Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution located in River Forest, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 42 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Concordia University, Chicago also made our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #6. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Concordia University, Chicago are $9,378.

Read full report on Special Education at Concordia University, Chicago

#18

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois
#21 in overall quality

Chicago State University landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. CSU is a small public school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 10 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

CSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Chicago State University are $15,056, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Special Education at CSU

#19

Greenville University

Greenville, Illinois
#13 in overall quality

Greenville University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #19. Located in Greenville, Illinois, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 11 degrees to qualified masters’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

Greenville also took the #13 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Greenville University are $8,082.

Read full report on Special Education at Greenville

#20

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, Illinois

Trinity Christian College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #20. Trinity Christian College is located in Palos Heights, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 masters’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

Trinity Christian did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Trinity Christian are $10,767.

Read more about Special Education at Trinity Christian College

#21

Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois
#19 in overall quality

Roosevelt University landed the #21 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 4 diplomas to qualified masters’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

Roosevelt also made our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #19. Average graduate tuition and fees at Roosevelt are $21,605, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Roosevelt University Special Education Report

#22

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois

With a ranking of #22, DePaul University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. DePaul is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 33 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at DePaul, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at DePaul are $19,760, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Special Education at DePaul University

#23

Rockford University

Rockford, Illinois

With a ranking of #23, Rockford University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Rockford University is a small school located in Rockford, Illinois that handed out 1 masters’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Rockford also made our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #0. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Rockford University are $13,255.

Read full report on Special Education at Rockford University

#24

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Loyola University Chicago landed the #24 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Loyola Chicago not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #0 on our “Best Special Education Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Loyola Chicago are $19,154, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Loyola Chicago Special Education Report

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Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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