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2022 Best Value Colleges for Special Education (Income $48-$75k) in Illinois

32 Ranked Colleges
950 Degrees Awarded
Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking.

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 $48-$75k” ranking analyzed 32 colleges that offered a degree in special education. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent special education programs, but they also 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.

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 $48-$75k” list to help you make the college decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Special Education (Income $48-$75k) 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 $48-$75k list. UIUC is a large school located in Champaign, Illinois that handed out 39 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

UIUC also took the #2 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $13,351 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Special Education at UIUC

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 in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k. University of Illinois at Chicago is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 74 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

UIC also took the #3 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UIC is $13,683 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

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%.

Read full report on Special Education at University of Illinois at Chicago

#3

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 #3 for the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k. Eastern Illinois University is a medium-sized school located in Charleston, Illinois that handed out 34 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

EIU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for EIU is $13,560 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Full EIU Special Education Report

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, Illinois and, has a fairly 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 SIUC, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $14,985 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend SIUC.

Full Southern Illinois University Carbondale Special Education Report

#5

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Illinois State University. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Illinois State is a large public school situated in Normal, Illinois. It awarded 189 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Illinois State also took the #1 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Illinois State University is $19,080 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

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

Full Illinois State Special Education Report

With a ranking of #6, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. SIUE is a fairly large school located in Edwardsville, Illinois that handed out 26 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k list, SIUE has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $13,705 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Read more about Special Education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#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 $48-$75k ranking. Northern Illinois University is a fairly large school located in Dekalb, Illinois that handed out 87 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at NIU, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $18,346 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Northern Illinois University.

Read full report on Special Education at NIU

#8

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #8. 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. It costs about $16,489 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Lewis University.

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%.

Full Lewis Special Education Report

#9

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois

University of St Francis did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #9. University of Saint Francis is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Joliet, Illinois. It awarded 4 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k list, University of Saint Francis has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Saint Francis is $14,220 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

The low student loan default rate of 3.3% 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 University of Saint Francis

#10

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois

Saint Xavier University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #10. This small school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 21 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

SXU also made our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #25. The yearly cost to attend Saint Xavier University is $14,907 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read full report on Special Education at SXU

#11

Judson University

Elgin, Illinois

Judson University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Judson University is a small school located in Elgin, Illinois that handed out 2 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Judson not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $15,971 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Judson University.

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 full report on Special Education at Judson University

#12

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois

Aurora University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. 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 not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend Aurora is $15,881 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

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 Aurora University Special Education Report

#13

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois

Western Illinois University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Macomb, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s special ed degrees to 20 students in 2019-2020.

WIU also took the #16 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend WIU is $15,912 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read more about Special Education at Western Illinois University

#14

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

Governors State University landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in University Park, Illinois, this small public school awarded 2 diplomas to qualified ’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for GSU is $11,872 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Full Governors State University Special Education Report

#15

Quincy University

Quincy, Illinois

Quincy University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Quincy U is a small school located in Quincy, Illinois that handed out 4 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend Quincy University is $16,717 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read full report on Special Education at Quincy University

#16

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois

Concordia University, Chicago landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in River Forest, Illinois, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 45 diplomas to qualified ’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

Concordia University, Chicago did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Concordia University, Chicago is $17,295 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read more about Special Education at Concordia University, Chicago

#17

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois

Elmhurst University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #17. Elmhurst is a private not-for-profit institution located in Elmhurst, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 18 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k list, Elmhurst has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $19,703 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Elmhurst.

The low student loan default rate of 3.0% 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 Elmhurst

#18

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois

With a ranking of #18, Olivet Nazarene University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 35 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k list, Olivet Nazarene has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Olivet Nazarene is $17,841 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

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%.

Read full report on Special Education at Olivet Nazarene

#19

Millikin University

Decatur, Illinois

Millikin University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. 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.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Millikin, the school also landed the #19 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Millikin University is $20,390 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

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

#20

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

With a ranking of #20, National Louis University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. NLU is a medium-sized school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 61 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k list, NLU has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend NLU is $16,888 for Illinois Special Ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read more about Special Education at NLU

With a ranking of #21, Northeastern Illinois University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 45 ’s special ed degrees to qualified students.

Northeastern Illinois University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #24 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Northeastern Illinois University is $18,180 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Full Northeastern Illinois University Special Education Report

#22

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois

Dominican University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This small school is located in River Forest, Illinois, and it awarded 18 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Dominican U did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Dominican U is $18,582 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

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 Dominican University

#23

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago State University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this small public school handed out 10 degrees to qualified ’s special ed students in 2019-2020.

It costs about $10,023 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend CSU.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read full report on Special Education at CSU

#24

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, Illinois

With a ranking of #24, Trinity Christian College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Trinity Christian is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Palos Heights, Illinois. It awarded 16 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Trinity Christian also took the #13 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $20,888 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Trinity Christian.

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. 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%.

Read full report on Special Education at Trinity Christian

#25

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois

Bradley University landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Special Ed Schools in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Bradley University is a medium-sized school located in Peoria, Illinois that handed out 9 ’s special ed degrees in 2019-2020.

Bradley also took the #6 spot in our “Best Special Education Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Bradley University is $22,865 for illinois special ed students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. The student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Special Education at Bradley 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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