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 7 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.
For graduate earnings in special education, no school beat University Of Louisville this year. University Of Louisville is a public school located in the city of Louisville. Early-career special education graduates from University Of Louisville make a median of around $57,361 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Murray State University, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a public institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Murray State University typically earn about $47,416 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Campbellsville University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Campbellsville, Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career special education graduates from Campbellsville University make a median of around $47,305 per year.
Georgetown College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. Georgetown College is a private not-for-profit school located in the town of Georgetown. Early-career special education graduates from Georgetown College make a median of around $46,704 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Western Kentucky University, which ranked #5. Western Kentucky University is a public school located in the city of Bowling Green. Special Education graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $48,878 a year early in their careers.
University Of The Cumberlands ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. Set in the town of Williamsburg, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of The Cumberlands typically earn about $48,604 annually.
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #7 for special education graduate earnings this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school located in the town of Richmond. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $46,867.
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 · 7 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.