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2022 Best Value Colleges for Special Education (Income $30-$48k) in Illinois

32 Ranked Colleges
950 Degrees Awarded
$14,500 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2019-2020, 33,249 people earned their degree in special education, making the major the 39th most popular in the United States. 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.

This year’s “Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking looked at 32 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s 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. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Special Education Schools

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k” list to help you make the college 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. 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 Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Special Education (Income $30-$48k) in Illinois

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. UIUC is located in Champaign, Illinois and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 39 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

UIUC also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #2. It costs about $8,464 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The low student loan default rate of 2.4% 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%.

Full UIUC Special Education Report

Out of the 32 schools in the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Illinois at Chicago landed the #2 spot on the list. University of Illinois at Chicago is a large school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 74 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

UIC also took the #3 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $11,185 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UIC.

The low student loan default rate of 3.4% 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 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 in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a fairly large public school situated in Edwardsville, Illinois. It awarded 26 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

SIUE also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #15. The yearly cost to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is $9,938 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Special Education at SIUE

#4

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois

Out of the 32 schools in the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Illinois State University landed the #4 spot on the list. Normal, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 189 students in 2019-2020.

Illinois State also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #1. The estimated yearly cost for Illinois State is $14,999 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 4.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Illinois State Special Education Report

#5

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Eastern Illinois University. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k. EIU is a medium-sized public school situated in Charleston, Illinois. It awarded 34 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

EIU also took the #12 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for EIU is $11,316 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Special Education at EIU

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Carbondale, Illinois, and it awarded 17 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

SIUC also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #8. The estimated yearly cost for Southern Illinois University Carbondale is $14,306 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Special Education at SIUC

#7

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois

Northern Illinois University landed the #7 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Dekalb, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 87 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k list, NIU has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $15,861 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend NIU.

Read full report on Special Education at Northern Illinois University

#8

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois

With a ranking of #8, University of St Francis did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Saint Francis is a small school located in Joliet, Illinois that handed out 4 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k list, University of Saint Francis has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $11,229 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of St Francis.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Special Education at University of Saint Francis

#9

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois

Saint Xavier University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 21 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k list, SXU has also earned the #25 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $11,962 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend SXU.

Full Saint Xavier University Special Education Report

#10

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #10. Lewis is a medium-sized school located in Romeoville, Illinois that handed out 67 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Lewis also took the #4 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Lewis is $13,377 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low 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 Lewis University

#11

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois

Western Illinois University landed the #11 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. WIU is a medium-sized public school situated in Macomb, Illinois. It awarded 20 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

WIU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #16 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $14,526 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Western Illinois University.

Full Western Illinois University Special Education Report

#12

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

Governors State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Governors State University is located in University Park, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Governors State University is $12,046 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Special Education at GSU

#13

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois

Aurora University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Aurora University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Aurora, Illinois. It awarded 18 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Aurora also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #17. It costs about $13,845 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Aurora University.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 4.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Special Education at Aurora University

#14

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois

With a ranking of #14, Dominican University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. Dominican U is a small school located in River Forest, Illinois that handed out 18 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Dominican U not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $17,586 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Dominican U.

Since the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read more about Special Education at Dominican U

Northeastern Illinois University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 45 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Northeastern Illinois University also took the #24 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Northeastern Illinois University is $15,513 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University

#16

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois

Bradley University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Peoria, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 9 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Bradley not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Bradley University is $18,232 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

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 student loan default rate of 2.5% 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 Bradley University

#17

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois

Elmhurst University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. Elmhurst University is a small school located in Elmhurst, Illinois that handed out 18 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Elmhurst did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend Elmhurst University is $17,837 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Special Education at Elmhurst

#18

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois

Concordia University, Chicago landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. 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 45 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k list, Concordia University, Chicago has also earned the #21 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Concordia University, Chicago is $15,406 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Special Education at Concordia University, Chicago

#19

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

National Louis University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #19. NLU is a medium-sized school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 61 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

NLU also took the #22 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for National Louis University is $14,403 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Special Education at NLU

#20

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois

With a ranking of #20, Olivet Nazarene University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. This small school is located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and it awarded 35 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Olivet Nazarene did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Olivet Nazarene is $15,390 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

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

Full Olivet Nazarene Special Education Report

#21

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, Illinois

Trinity Christian College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Trinity Christian College is a small school located in Palos Heights, Illinois that handed out 16 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Trinity Christian, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Trinity Christian is $19,918 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 5.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Special Education at Trinity Christian College

#22

Millikin University

Decatur, Illinois

Millikin University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Decatur, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 1 students in 2019-2020.

Millikin did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #19 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Millikin is $17,692 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read full report on Special Education at Millikin University

#23

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois

With a ranking of #23, Chicago State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. CSU is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 10 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $11,844 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend CSU.

The student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read full report on Special Education at Chicago State University

#24

Quincy University

Quincy, Illinois

Quincy University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k list. Quincy University is located in Quincy, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 4 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend Quincy University is $17,518 for illinois special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Special Education at Quincy University

#25

Greenville University

Greenville, Illinois

Greenville University landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This small school is located in Greenville, Illinois, and it awarded 12 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Greenville also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #23. The yearly cost to attend Greenville is $19,258 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about Special Education at Greenville

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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