by our College Data Analytics Team
[Special Education](/majors/education/special-education/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. The schools below stand out for the salaries their special education graduates go on to command.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools to find where special education graduates earn the most.
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Below are the schools whose special education graduates go on to earn the most.
Southwestern College tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools in Kansas. Southwestern College is a private not-for-profit school located in the town of Winfield. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Southwestern College typically earn about $59,310 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at University Of Kansas, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $58,818.
Wichita State University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in special education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $62,039.
A rank of #4 makes Friends University one of the highest-paying schools for special education. Friends University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Wichita. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Friends University typically earn about $57,030 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at Fort Hays State University, which ranked #5. Fort Hays State University is a public school located in the town of Hays. Early-career special education graduates from Fort Hays State University make a median of around $55,408 per year.
Emporia State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying special education schools. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $54,419.
Baker University landed the #7 spot for special education salaries this year. Baker University is a private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Baldwin City. Special Education graduates of Baker University earn a median of about $53,343 a year early in their careers.
Pittsburg State University landed the #8 spot for special education salaries this year. Pittsburg State University is a public school located in the town of Pittsburg. Special Education graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of about $54,402 a year early in their careers.
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 · 8 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.