by our College Data Analytics Team
[Special Education](/majors/education/special-education/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the early-career earnings of their special education graduates.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send special education graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Gonzaga University the top school for special education graduate earnings in the Far Western Region. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Spokane. Special Education graduates of Gonzaga University earn a median of about $68,277 a year early in their careers.
Central Washington University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in special education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from Central Washington University make a median of around $64,230 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at University Of Hawaii At Manoa, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Honolulu, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Special Education graduates of University Of Hawaii At Manoa earn a median of about $61,945 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #4 makes Western Washington University one of the highest-paying schools for special education. Western Washington University is a public school located in the city of Bellingham. Special Education graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of about $66,702 a year early in their careers.
Nevada State College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. Located in the rural area of Henderson, Nevada State College is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Nevada State College typically earn about $53,159 annually.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #6 for special education graduate earnings this year. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Special Education graduates of University Of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of about $56,356 a year early in their careers.
Eastern Washington University placed #7 among the highest-paying schools for special education. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Eastern Washington University typically earn about $58,104 annually.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries special education graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 7 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.