2026 Best Value General Special Education Schools in Missouri

1

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

For return on investment in general special education, no school beat Truman State University this year. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. General Special Education graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Early-career general special education graduates make about $39,764. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general special education, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. General Special Education graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general special education degree recipients from University Of Missouri St Louis generally make around $52,350. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

3

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Missouri State University earned it the #3 place for general special education. Southeast Missouri State University is a large public school located in the city of Cape Girardeau. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the general special education program here. Early-career general special education graduates make about $40,281. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants.

4

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Fayette, MO

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general special education schools. Located in the rural area of Fayette, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Students borrow a median of $30,051 to complete the general special education program here. General Special Education graduates of Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies earn a median of $47,316 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,051 median debt. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants.

5

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

A rank of #5 makes Northwest Missouri State University one of the best values for general special education. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. General Special Education graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Early-career general special education graduates make about $42,939. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

University Of Central Missouri placed #6 among the best values for general special education. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the general special education program here. General Special Education graduates of University Of Central Missouri earn a median of $41,190 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

7

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #7 spot for general special education value this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the general special education program here. Early-career general special education graduates make about $38,250. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8

Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University landed the #8 spot for general special education value this year. Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Charles. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. General Special Education graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Early-career general special education graduates make about $47,206. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

9

Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, MO

Fontbonne University came in at #9 for value in general special education this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Fontbonne University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,976. Typical student debt for general special education graduates is $45,511. General Special Education graduates of Fontbonne University earn a median of $42,991 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $45,511 median debt.

10

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general special education schools. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,357 to complete the general special education program here. Soon after graduation, general special education degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $42,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.

11

Drury University
Springfield, MO

Drury University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value general special education schools. Located in the city of Springfield, Drury University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $36,745. Typical student debt for general special education graduates is $26,641. General Special Education graduates of Drury University earn a median of $41,393 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drury University admits about 58% of applicants.