by our College Data Analytics Team
[Special Education](/majors/education/special-education/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying special education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose special education graduates go on to earn the most.
Leading the list is University Of Southern Maine, our #1 for special education graduate salaries in Maine. University Of Southern Maine is a public school located in the city of Portland. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine typically earn about $53,572 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at University Of Maine At Farmington, which ranked #2. Located in the rural area of Farmington, University Of Maine At Farmington is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of Maine At Farmington typically earn about $45,235 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at University Of Maine, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a public institution. Special Education graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of about $49,410 a year early in their careers.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their special education graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 3 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.