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2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Maryland

2 Colleges in the United States
$22,491 Avg Student Debt
$67,491 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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools to find the best return on investment for special education students.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Maryland

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

Best Value Special Education Schools

1

University Of Maryland College Park earned the #1 spot for value among special education schools in Maryland. University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public school located in the suburb of College Park. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Special Education graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Special Education graduates of University Of Maryland College Park earn a median of $67,390 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.

2
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at Towson University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete the special education program here. Early-career special education graduates make about $59,077. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

3

Johns Hopkins University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #3 spot this year. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Special Education graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Early-career special education graduates make about $68,814. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%.

4

Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at Bowie State University, which ranked #4. Bowie State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bowie. In-state tuition and fees average $9,218, while out-of-state students pay about $19,938. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $28,474. Special Education graduates of Bowie State University earn a median of $47,668 early in their careers. Set against $28,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

5
Mcdaniel College crest
Mcdaniel College
Westminster, MD

Mcdaniel College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Set in the town of Westminster, Mcdaniel College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete the special education program here. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Mcdaniel College generally make around $62,934. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

6
Hood College crest
Hood College
Frederick, MD

Hood College came in at #6 for value in special education this year. Located in the city of Frederick, Hood College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. Special Education graduates carry a median of $24,703 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Hood College earn a median of $59,332 early in their careers. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

7

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland placed #7 among the best values for special education. Set in the city of Baltimore, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,360. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland generally make around $64,018. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 82% 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 · 16 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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