by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Special Education](/majors/education/special-education/general-special-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools to find the best return on investment for general special education students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general special education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Western Governors University tops our 2026 list of the best value general special education schools in Utah. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Typical student debt for general special education graduates is $25,158. Early-career general special education graduates make about $51,380. That is a strong return on a $25,158 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Weber State University one of the best values for general special education. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete the general special education program here. Soon after graduation, general special education degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $53,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Utah State University one of the best values for general special education. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Typical student debt for general special education graduates is $18,125. Soon after graduation, general special education degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $61,474. That is a strong return on a $18,125 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in general special education will find it at University Of Utah, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. General Special Education graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. General Special Education graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $65,971 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
A rank of #5 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values for general special education. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete the general special education program here. General Special Education graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $50,331 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.