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

21 Ranked Colleges
355 Degrees Awarded
$14,200 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. 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 in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

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 Tennessee, there were 355 special education graduates with average earnings and debt of $35,620 and $23,730 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, we looked at 21 colleges that offer a degree 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.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the special education program at the school. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

More Ways to Rank Special Education Schools

The special ed school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k”.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 21 Best Value Colleges for Special Education (Income $30-$48k) in Tennessee

#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Vanderbilt University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 80 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend Vanderbilt University is $6,017 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The 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 school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 1.0%, 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 96%.

Read full report on Special Education at Vanderbilt

#2

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, Tennessee

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Tennessee Wesleyan University. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k. Athens, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 5 students in 2019-2020.

TWU also took the #11 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for TWU is $11,867 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Special Education at Tennessee Wesleyan University

#3

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Out of the 21 schools in the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Middle Tennessee State University landed the #3 spot on the list. Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 17 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Middle Tennessee State University, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Middle Tennessee State University is $10,637 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Special Education at Middle Tennessee State University

#4

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Memphis. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k. Memphis, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 62 students in 2019-2020.

UofM also took the #5 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $12,264 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Memphis.

Read more about Special Education at University of Memphis

Out of the 21 schools in the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga landed the #5 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it awarded 6 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Chattanooga also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #12. It costs about $10,515 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga.

Read full report on Special Education at UT Chattanooga

#6

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee

Tennessee Technological University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #6. Cookeville, Tennessee is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 11 students in 2019-2020.

Tennessee Tech University also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #3. It costs about $13,421 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Tennessee Technological University.

The low student loan default rate of 4.8% 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 Tennessee Tech University

The University of Tennessee - Martin did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #7. UT Martin is a medium-sized school located in Martin, Tennessee that handed out 1 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k list, UT Martin has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UT Martin is $9,855 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full The University of Tennessee - Martin Special Education Report

#8

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

East Tennessee State University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. ETSU is located in Johnson City, Tennessee and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 24 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

ETSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #15 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend ETSU is $12,703 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full East Tennessee State University Special Education Report

#9

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, Tennessee

Christian Brothers University landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Christian Brothers University is a small school located in Memphis, Tennessee that handed out 5 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Christian Brothers, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Christian Brothers is $12,165 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Special Education at Christian Brothers University

With a ranking of #10, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. UT Knoxville is a public institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 26 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Knoxville also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend The University of Tennessee - Knoxville is $13,745 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive 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 89%.

Read full report on Special Education at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#11

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee

With a ranking of #11, Freed-Hardeman University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Freed-Hardeman University is located in Henderson, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 14 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at FHU, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Freed-Hardeman University is $13,318 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full FHU Special Education Report

#12

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee

Lee University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Lee University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Cleveland, Tennessee. It awarded 7 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Lee University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list. It costs about $15,543 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Lee University.

Read full report on Special Education at Lee University

#13

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee

Lincoln Memorial University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Lincoln Memorial University is located in Harrogate, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 6 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

LMU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend LMU is $12,893 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low student loan default rate of 3.8% 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 Lincoln Memorial University

#14

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee

Austin Peay State University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 10 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

Austin Peay State University also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #18. The yearly cost to attend Austin Peay State University is $12,298 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Austin Peay State University Special Education Report

#15

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #15. TNU is located in Nashville, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 12 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k list, TNU has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Trevecca Nazarene University is $15,172 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Trevecca Nazarene University Special Education Report

#16

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee

Tennessee State University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Tennessee State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 3 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Tennessee State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list. It costs about $11,711 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Tennessee State University.

Full Tennessee State University Special Education Report

#17

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Carson - Newman University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #17. Located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 33 diplomas to qualified ’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k list, Carson - Newman has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Carson - Newman University is $14,044 for Tennessee Special Ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Special Education at Carson - Newman

#18

Tusculum University

Greeneville, Tennessee

Tusculum University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. This small school is located in Greeneville, Tennessee, and it awarded 1 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Tusculum also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #20. The yearly cost to attend Tusculum University is $18,111 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Special Education at Tusculum

#19

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee

Lipscomb University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 27 diplomas to qualified ’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

Lipscomb not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list. It costs about $20,503 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Lipscomb University.

The low student loan default rate of 3.9% 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%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Read full report on Special Education at Lipscomb

#20

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee

Union University landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 3 degrees to qualified ’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

Union also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #7. The yearly cost to attend Union is $27,004 for tennessee 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. The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 4.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Special Education at Union

#21

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee

Cumberland University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. CU is located in Lebanon, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 1 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

CU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend Cumberland University is $23,701 for tennessee special ed students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Special Education at Cumberland University

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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