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

4 Colleges in the United States
$24,448 Avg Student Debt
$64,752 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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for special education students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Rhode Island

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

Best Value Special Education Schools

1

Community College Of Rhode Island tops our 2026 list of the best value special education schools in Rhode Island. Located in the city of Warwick, Community College Of Rhode Island is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,550, with out-of-state students paying around $14,834. Special Education graduates carry a median of $13,940 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Community College Of Rhode Island earn a median of $39,680 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2
Rhode Island College crest
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI

A rank of #2 makes Rhode Island College one of the best values for special education. Located in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,300 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,299. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $29,851. Special Education graduates of Rhode Island College earn a median of $57,986 early in their careers. Set against $29,851 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rhode Island College admits about 92% of applicants.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Salve Regina University earned it the #3 place for special education. Set in the suburb of Newport, Salve Regina University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,100. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Salve Regina University generally make around $51,308. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

4
Providence College crest
Providence College
Providence, RI

Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at Providence College, which ranked #4. Providence College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $63,550. Special Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career special education graduates make about $49,664. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 6 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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