2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Georgia

1

South Georgia State College
Douglas, GA

Our analysis ranked South Georgia State College the best value for a degree in special education in Georgia. Located in the town of Douglas, South Georgia State College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,314, while out-of-state students pay about $10,274. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $17,518. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from South Georgia State College generally make around $50,931. Set against $17,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Georgia Gwinnett College
Lawrenceville, GA

Georgia Gwinnett College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Located in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Georgia Gwinnett College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,532, while out-of-state students pay about $13,844. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $21,280. Early-career special education graduates make about $55,992. That is a strong return on a $21,280 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA

Valdosta State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete the special education program here. Early-career special education graduates make about $56,492. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants.

4

Georgia Southwestern State University
Americus, GA

Georgia Southwestern State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Georgia Southwestern State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $16,572. Special Education graduates carry a median of $28,245 in student loans. Early-career special education graduates make about $52,428. That is a strong return on a $28,245 median debt. Georgia Southwestern State University admits about 75% of applicants.

5

Columbus State University
Columbus, GA

Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at Columbus State University, which ranked #5. Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Columbus. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $28,493. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Columbus State University generally make around $56,177. That is a strong return on a $28,493 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

University Of Georgia earned the #6 position for value in special education this year. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete the special education program here. Special Education graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $54,506 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

7

Augusta University
Augusta, GA

Augusta University placed #7 among the best values for special education. Located in the city of Augusta, Augusta University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,745 to complete the special education program here. Special Education graduates of Augusta University earn a median of $56,168 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia earned the #8 position for value in special education this year. Set in the town of Carrollton, University Of West Georgia is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Special Education graduates carry a median of $26,789 in student loans. Early-career special education graduates make about $67,672. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%.

9

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University placed #9 among the best values for special education. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $26,091. Early-career special education graduates make about $59,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

10

Shorter University
Rome, GA

Shorter University placed #10 among the best values for special education. Set in the city of Rome, Shorter University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,630. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $31,037. Special Education graduates of Shorter University earn a median of $44,407 early in their careers. Set against $31,037 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

11

Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Set in the town of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Students borrow a median of $23,687 to complete the special education program here. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Georgia Southern University generally make around $45,531. That is a strong return on a $23,687 median debt. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants.

12

Georgia College And State University
Milledgeville, GA

Georgia College And State University came in at #12 for value in special education this year. Georgia College And State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Milledgeville. In-state tuition and fees average $9,186, compared with $29,512 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $26,000. Special Education graduates of Georgia College And State University earn a median of $49,364 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

13

Brenau University
Gainesville, GA

Brenau University landed the #13 spot for special education value this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, Brenau University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,757. Special Education graduates carry a median of $36,299 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Brenau University earn a median of $59,258 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $36,299 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

14

Piedmont College
Demorest, GA

Piedmont College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Located in the town of Demorest, Piedmont College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $29,975. Early-career special education graduates make about $52,567. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.