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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Washington

5 Colleges in the United States
$22,753 Avg Student Debt
$69,457 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Special Education Badge [Special Education](/majors/education/special-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong special education education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value special education schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Washington

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

Best Value Special Education Schools

1

Leading the list is University Of Washington Seattle Campus, our #1 best value for special education in Washington. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Special Education graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $73,549. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Washington University earned it the #2 place for special education. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,586 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Special Education graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $41,883 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Western Washington University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Special Education graduates carry a median of $29,284 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $52,912 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,284 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

4

City University Of Seattle is a great value for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #4 spot this year. City University Of Seattle is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete the special education program here. Special Education graduates of City University Of Seattle earn a median of $76,698 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt.

5
Gonzaga University crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Spokane, Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the special education program here. Special Education graduates of Gonzaga University earn a median of $58,733 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 13 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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