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.
College Factual analyzed 4 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 Nebraska Lincoln the top school for special education graduate earnings in Nebraska. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $51,536.
Students chasing top earnings in special education will find them at University Of Nebraska At Kearney, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Kearney, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Students who complete the special education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $58,907.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Nebraska At Omaha one of the highest-paying schools for special education. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school located in the city of Omaha. After graduating, special education degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha typically earn about $55,140 annually.
Concordia University Seward produces some of the highest-paid graduates in special education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Seward, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, special education degree recipients from Concordia University Seward typically earn about $55,085 annually.
The ranking above is published 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 · 4 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.