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.
Our analysis ranked The University Of Tennessee the top school for special education graduate earnings in Tennessee. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Special Education graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of about $48,724 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Austin Peay State University, which ranked #2. Austin Peay State University is a public school located in the city of Clarksville. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $45,543.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Middle Tennessee State University, which ranked #3. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $45,543.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Memphis earned it the #4 place for special education. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Early-career special education graduates from University Of Memphis make a median of around $44,607 per year.
Carson Newman College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Jefferson City. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $44,404.
East Tennessee State University came in at #6 for special education graduate earnings this year. East Tennessee State University is a public school located in the city of Johnson City. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $43,909.
Tennessee Technological University landed the #7 spot for special education salaries this year. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Special Education graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of about $38,116 a year early in their careers.
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 · 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.