2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Wisconsin
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in special education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Special Education Schools
Leading the list is University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point, our #1 best value for special education in Wisconsin. Set in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,607 to complete the special education program here. Early-career special education graduates make about $43,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at University Of Wisconsin Superior, which ranked #2. University Of Wisconsin Superior is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Superior. In-state tuition and fees average $8,812, with out-of-state students paying around $16,726. Students borrow a median of $27,845 to complete the special education program here. Early-career special education graduates make about $55,057. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh one of the best values for special education. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public school located in the city of Oshkosh. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh generally make around $44,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a great value for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $27,000. Special Education graduates of University Of Wisconsin Whitewater earn a median of $49,737 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee one of the best values for special education. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,188 to complete the special education program here. Special Education graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $51,466 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #6 for value in special education this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Special Education graduates carry a median of $22,863 in student loans. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $50,174. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.
Alverno College earned the #7 position for value in special education this year. Set in the city of Milwaukee, Alverno College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Special Education graduates carry a median of $34,425 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Alverno College earn a median of $55,790 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #8 spot for special education value this year. Located in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $27,000. Special Education graduates of University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earn a median of $46,508 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #9 for value in special education this year. Located in the town of Menomonie, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete the special education program here. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stout generally make around $45,196. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants.
Viterbo University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Viterbo University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of La Crosse. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Special Education graduates carry a median of $29,107 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Viterbo University earn a median of $60,309 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants.
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 23 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
[Special Education](/majors/education/special-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
