ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Administration of Special Education Master’s Degree Schools

1 Colleges in the United States
$27,167 Avg Student Debt
$55,891 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Administration of Special Education Master's Degree Badge [Administration of Special Education](/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong administration of special education education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 45 schools to find the best return on investment for administration of special education students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/educational-administration/administration-of-special-education/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 13
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 13.04), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Special Education (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Special Education (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Special Education (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Special Education (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Special Education (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Special Education (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Special Education (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Special Education (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Special Education (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Special Education (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Special Education (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Special Education (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Special Education" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Special Education" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Leadership (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Leadership (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Educational Administration (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Educational Administration (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Educational Leadership (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Educational Leadership (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Educational Leadership (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Educational Leadership (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Educational Leadership (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Educational Leadership (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Higher Education Administration" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Higher Education Administration" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 13
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 11 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 11
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 6 offers with relevance >= 0.9

2026 Best Value Administration of Special Education Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in administration of special education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Administration of Special Education Schools

1

For return on investment in administration of special education, no school beat Saint Cloud State University this year. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $25,076. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $50,052. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

2

Concordia University Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in administration of special education, landing the #2 spot this year. Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of River Forest. Students from in state pay about $37,488 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $26,956. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Concordia University Chicago generally make around $72,182. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

3
Bay Path College crest
Bay Path College
Longmeadow, MA

Bay Path College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in administration of special education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Longmeadow, Bay Path College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,302 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $29,811. Early-career administration of special education graduates make about $56,174. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bay Path College admits about 85% of applicants.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earned it the #4 place for administration of special education. Located in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $24,619. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh generally make around $56,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Maine At Farmington one of the best values for administration of special education. Set in the rural area of Farmington, University Of Maine At Farmington is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,308, while out-of-state students pay about $23,878. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $25,703. Early-career administration of special education graduates make about $35,414. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #101
6
Alverno College crest
Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College earned the #6 position for value in administration of special education this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Alverno College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,086. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $34,425. Administration Of Special Education graduates of Alverno College earn a median of $66,052 early in their careers. Set against $34,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alverno College admits about 86% of applicants.

7

Columbus State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value administration of special education schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $28,493 in student loans. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Columbus State University generally make around $50,492. Set against $28,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbus State University admits about 99% of applicants.

8

Georgia Southern University came in at #8 for value in administration of special education this year. Georgia Southern University is a very large public school located in the town of Statesboro. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Administration Of Special Education graduates of Georgia Southern University earn a median of $45,382 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

9

Idaho State University placed #9 among the best values for administration of special education. Located in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,610, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $24,640. Administration Of Special Education graduates of Idaho State University earn a median of $51,446 early in their careers. Set against $24,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Missouri State University Springfield ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value administration of special education schools. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete the administration of special education program here. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $47,570. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #115
11
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN

Capella University came in at #11 for value in administration of special education this year. Capella University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Minneapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete the administration of special education program here. Administration Of Special Education graduates of Capella University earn a median of $64,020 early in their careers. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

Illinois State University earned the #12 position for value in administration of special education this year. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Early-career administration of special education graduates make about $72,635. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

13

University Of Maine landed the #13 spot for administration of special education value this year. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,984 to complete the administration of special education program here. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from University Of Maine generally make around $46,699. That is a strong return on a $25,984 median debt. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.

14

Western Michigan University placed #14 among the best values for administration of special education. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

15

Pennsylvania Western University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value administration of special education schools. Set in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,436, with out-of-state students paying around $16,054. Median earnings reach $47,295 ten years out. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #145
16
Carson Newman College crest
Carson Newman College
Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College earned the #16 position for value in administration of special education this year. Located in the suburb of Jefferson City, Carson Newman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,700. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Carson Newman College generally make around $48,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

17

University Of Missouri Columbia placed #17 among the best values for administration of special education. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $53,134. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

18

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #18 for value in administration of special education this year. Located in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete the administration of special education program here. Early-career administration of special education graduates make about $60,740. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

19
Mcdaniel College crest
Mcdaniel College
Westminster, MD

Mcdaniel College earned the #19 position for value in administration of special education this year. Located in the town of Westminster, Mcdaniel College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $16,318. Early-career administration of special education graduates make about $54,904. Set against $16,318 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcdaniel College admits about 78% of applicants.

20

Houston Baptist University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value administration of special education schools. Located in the city of Houston, Houston Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,430. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $25,601. Early-career administration of special education graduates make about $63,989. That is a strong return on a $25,601 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.

ADBLOCK #150
21
Viterbo University crest
Viterbo University
La Crosse, WI

Viterbo University placed #21 among the best values for administration of special education. Located in the city of La Crosse, Viterbo University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $29,107 in student loans. Early-career administration of special education graduates make about $66,234. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants.

22
Walden University crest
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN

Walden University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value administration of special education schools. Walden University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Typical student debt for administration of special education graduates is $49,361. Administration Of Special Education graduates of Walden University earn a median of $48,220 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt.

23

University Of New Hampshire Main Campus landed the #23 spot for administration of special education value this year. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Durham. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $26,368 in student loans. Administration Of Special Education graduates of University Of New Hampshire Main Campus earn a median of $52,064 early in their careers. Set against $26,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

24

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #24 for value in administration of special education this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Administration Of Special Education graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $60,004. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

25

Saint Louis University Main Campus earned the #25 position for value in administration of special education this year. Set in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete the administration of special education program here. Soon after graduation, administration of special education degree recipients from Saint Louis University Main Campus generally make around $65,599. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 32 Best Value Administration of Special Education Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s administration of special education value ranking:

26
27
Gwynedd Mercy College crest
Gwynedd Mercy College
Gwynedd Valley, PA
28
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
29
30
New England College crest
New England College
Henniker, NH
31
32
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC

Other Administration of Special Education Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Administration of Special Education rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Administration of Special Education
Associate's Degrees in Administration of Special Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Administration of Special Education
ADBLOCK #173
View All Administration of Special Education Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 45 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options