by our College Data Analytics Team
[Special Education](/majors/education/special-education/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 4 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.
The University Of Alabama earned the #1 spot for highest-paid special education graduates in Alabama. Located in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Special Education graduates of The University Of Alabama earn a median of about $50,092 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #2 makes Auburn University one of the highest-paying schools for special education. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Auburn University typically earn about $50,705 annually.
Strong graduate earnings at Athens State University earned it the #3 place for special education. Located in the town of Athens, Athens State University is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from Athens State University make a median of around $43,668 per year.
A rank of #4 makes Jacksonville State University one of the highest-paying schools for special education. Set in the suburb of Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $42,107.
This list is compiled 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 · 4 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.