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

4 Colleges in the United States
139 Special Education Degrees Awarded
$49,660 Avg Early-Career Salary

Special Education degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their special education programs.

College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best special education schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Special Education in Rhode Island

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the special education degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Special Education

1
Providence College crest
Providence College
Providence, RI

Providence College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in special education. Located in the city of Providence, Providence College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 49 special education degrees were awarded at Providence College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Providence College generally make around $49,664. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in special education from Providence College

2

Salve Regina University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #2 spot this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Newport. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 24 special education degrees were awarded at Salve Regina University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Salve Regina University generally make around $51,308. Salve Regina University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full special education program report for Salve Regina University

3
Rhode Island College crest
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI

Students looking for a strong special education program will find one at Rhode Island College, which ranked #3. Rhode Island College is a large public school located in the suburb of Providence. About 48% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 51 special education students who graduated with this degree at Rhode Island College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the special education program make about $57,986 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $29,851. Read more about the special education program at Rhode Island College

4

Community College Of Rhode Island is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in special education, ranking #4. This large public university is located in the city of Warwick. About 15 special education degrees were awarded at Community College Of Rhode Island in the most recent year. Graduates of the special education program make about $39,680 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,940 to complete this degree. Get the full special education details for Community College Of Rhode Island

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 6 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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