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 5 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.
Utah State University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid special education graduates in Utah. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from Utah State University make a median of around $54,315 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Weber State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from Weber State University make a median of around $57,842 per year.
A rank of #3 makes Utah Valley University one of the highest-paying schools for special education. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $50,647.
Western Governors University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $52,641.
Strong graduate earnings at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #5 place for special education. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Special Education graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of about $32,469 a year early in their careers.
This ranking is produced 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.