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2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

148 Ranked Colleges
5,866 Degrees Awarded
$6,900 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2020-2021, 36,792 people earned their degree in special education, making the major the 29th most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, special education graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $45,679 and had an average of $24,977 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southeast region, there were 5,866 special education graduates with average earnings and debt of $42,190 and $24,022 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 148 colleges that offer a degree in special education. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality special education programs that also have a lower cost than 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. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Special Education Schools

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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 in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Special Education (Income $0-$30k) in the Southeast Region

1
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 54 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Vanderbilt, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Vanderbilt University is $3,176 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Vanderbilt Special Education Report

2
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 87 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UF, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Florida is $65 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Special Education at UF

3
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Florida State University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Tallahassee, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 30 students in 2020-2021.

Florida State also made our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #8. It costs about $4,950 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Florida State.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 95%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Special Education at Florida State

4
UGA crest
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Georgia. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k. UGA is a large public school situated in Athens, Georgia. It awarded 75 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

UGA did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Georgia is $8,303 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Special Education at University of Georgia

5

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of South Florida - Main Campus. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. USF Tampa is a large school located in Tampa, Florida that handed out 42 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on this list, USF Tampa is in the top on our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend USF Tampa is $4,176 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Special Education at USF Tampa

6

The University of West Florida came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Pensacola, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 303 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, UWF has also earned the #25 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $4,288 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UWF.

Read full report on Special Education at UWF

7
Converse crest
Converse College
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Converse College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #7. Converse is a private not-for-profit institution located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 21 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Converse is $20,672 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Converse Special Education Report

8

Florida International University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. FIU is located in Miami, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 69 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $3,196 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Florida International University.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Read more about Special Education at Florida International University

9
UNF crest
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida

University of North Florida ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UNF is a fairly large school located in Jacksonville, Florida that handed out 31 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $4,367 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UNF.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Special Education at University of North Florida

10

University of Central Florida did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #10. UCF is a large school located in Orlando, Florida that handed out 123 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, UCF has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Central Florida is $4,468 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Special Education at University of Central Florida

11
Appalachian State crest
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Appalachian State University is located in Boone, North Carolina and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 117 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

Appalachian State also made our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #15. The yearly cost to attend Appalachian State is $7,354 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Special Education at Appalachian State

12
MDC crest
Miami Dade College
Miami, Florida

Miami Dade College landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Miami, Florida, this large public school handed out 103 degrees to qualified ’s special ed students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $4,482 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend MDC.

Read full report on Special Education at Miami Dade College

13
Indian River State College crest
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, Florida

With a ranking of #13, Indian River State College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Indian River State College is located in Fort Pierce, Florida and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 12 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend Indian River State College is $2,686 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Special Education at Indian River State College

14

University of North Carolina at Greensboro did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #14. Greensboro, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 60 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k list, UNC Greensboro has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $7,645 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UNC Greensboro.

Read full report on Special Education at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

15
NKU crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #15. NKU is a fairly large school located in Highland Heights, Kentucky that handed out 8 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Northern Kentucky University is $4,632 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full NKU Special Education Report

16
FAU crest
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #16. FAU is a large public school situated in Boca Raton, Florida. It awarded 26 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for FAU is $6,726 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Special Education at Florida Atlantic University

17
SPC crest
St Petersburg College
Clearwater, Florida

St Petersburg College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. SPC is a public institution located in Clearwater, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 10 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend St Petersburg College is $676 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Special Education at SPC

18

University of North Carolina at Charlotte landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a large school located in Charlotte, North Carolina that handed out 84 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UNC Charlotte, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of North Carolina at Charlotte is $12,751 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Special Education at UNC Charlotte

19
ECU crest
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

With a ranking of #19, East Carolina University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Greenville, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 67 students in 2020-2021.

ECU also made our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #10. It costs about $11,260 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend East Carolina University.

Full ECU Special Education Report

20
Augusta University crest
Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia

Augusta University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #20. Augusta University is a medium-sized school located in Augusta, Georgia that handed out 25 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Augusta University is $9,740 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Special Education at Augusta University

21

Florida Gulf Coast University landed the #21 spot on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Fort Myers, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 20 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $6,762 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Florida Gulf Coast University.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Special Education at FGCU

22

Florida State College at Jacksonville landed the #22 spot on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. FSCJ is a public institution located in Jacksonville, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 13 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Florida State College at Jacksonville is $1,144 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Special Education at Florida State College at Jacksonville

22
Georgia State crest
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and it awarded 71 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

Georgia State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Georgia State is $15,197 for southeast region special ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Special Education at Georgia State University

24
UK crest
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky

University of Kentucky landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Kentucky is a large public school situated in Lexington, Kentucky. It awarded 51 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

UK not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Special Education Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Kentucky is $12,593 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.

Full University of Kentucky Special Education Report

25
UofM crest
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee

University of Memphis landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Value Special Ed Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Memphis is a large public school situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It awarded 69 ’s special ed degrees in 2020-2021.

UofM excels when it comes to special ed quality. It’s in the top [COLLEGE_QUALITY_PECTENTILE_ALL_LEVES]% of all schools in this category. The estimated yearly cost for UofM is $11,084 for Southeast Region Special Ed students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full University of Memphis Special Education Report

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