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:
Below are the schools whose special education graduates go on to earn the most.
University Of Arkansas tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools in Arkansas. University Of Arkansas is a public school located in the city of Fayetteville. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $43,718.
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. Located in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Special Education graduates of Arkansas State University Main Campus earn a median of about $54,213 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Central Arkansas earned it the #3 place for special education. Set in the city of Conway, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of Central Arkansas typically earn about $45,407 annually.
Arkansas Tech University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in special education, landing the #4 spot this year. Arkansas Tech University is a public school located in the town of Russellville. Special Education graduates of Arkansas Tech University earn a median of about $46,981 a year early in their careers.
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 · 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.