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2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Arizona

6 Colleges in the United States
$26,596 Avg Student Debt
$49,463 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.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 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 Arizona

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

Best Value Special Education Schools

1

Pima Community College earned the #1 spot for value among special education schools in Arizona. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Special Education graduates carry a median of $15,200 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Pima Community College earn a median of $46,052 early in their careers. Set against $15,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Phoenix Arizona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,323 to complete the special education program here. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from University Of Phoenix Arizona generally make around $53,842. Set against $35,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at Arizona State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $19,375. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $52,899. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

4

A rank of #4 makes Northern Arizona University one of the best values for special education. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Special Education graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $54,048. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for special education. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the special education program here. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $44,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

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6

Grand Canyon University came in at #6 for value in special education this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Special Education graduates carry a median of $47,180 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Grand Canyon University earn a median of $48,745 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $47,180 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.

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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 · 13 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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