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. The schools below stand out for the salaries their special education graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying special education schools.
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 University Of Colorado Denver the top school for special education graduate earnings in Colorado. Located in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of Colorado Denver typically earn about $57,577 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at University Of Northern Colorado, which ranked #2. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school located in the city of Greeley. Special Education graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of about $58,026 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at Metropolitan State College Of Denver earned it the #3 place for special education. Located in the city of Denver, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $52,967.
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs produces some of the highest-paid graduates in special education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Colorado Springs, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs make a median of around $52,500 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Colorado Christian University, which ranked #5. Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lakewood. Special Education graduates of Colorado Christian University earn a median of about $41,074 a year early in their careers.
This list is compiled 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 · 5 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.