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 6 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.
Our analysis ranked University Of North Carolina At Wilmington the top school for special education graduate earnings in North Carolina. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school located in the city of Wilmington. Early-career special education graduates from University Of North Carolina At Wilmington make a median of around $51,603 per year.
Appalachian State University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in special education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Special Education graduates of Appalachian State University earn a median of about $49,424 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at East Carolina University earned it the #3 place for special education. East Carolina University is a public school located in the city of Greenville. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $46,759.
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte produces some of the highest-paid graduates in special education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte make a median of around $45,769 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned it the #5 place for special education. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school located in the city of Greensboro. Special Education graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of about $44,554 a year early in their careers.
Western Carolina University landed the #6 spot for special education salaries this year. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from Western Carolina University make a median of around $43,364 per year.
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 · 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.