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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the early-career earnings of their special education graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose special education graduates go on to earn the most.
For graduate earnings in special education, no school beat University Of West Georgia this year. Located in the town of Carrollton, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of West Georgia typically earn about $71,784 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Georgia State University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from Georgia State University make a median of around $60,636 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at Columbus State University earned it the #3 place for special education. Columbus State University is a public school located in the city of Columbus. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $62,060.
University Of Georgia came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. University Of Georgia is a public school located in the city of Athens. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of Georgia typically earn about $53,611 annually.
A rank of #5 makes Valdosta State University one of the highest-paying schools for special education. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Valdosta State University typically earn about $56,492 annually.
Georgia College And State University placed #6 among the highest-paying schools for special education. Located in the town of Milledgeville, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $59,662.
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 · 6 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.