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2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Colorado

5 Colleges in the United States
$25,867 Avg Student Debt
$54,870 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.

College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value special education schools.

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2026 Best Value Special Education Schools in Colorado

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

Best Value Special Education Schools

1

Leading the list is Metropolitan State College Of Denver, our #1 best value for special education in Colorado. Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, while out-of-state students pay about $30,684. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $20,027. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Metropolitan State College Of Denver generally make around $39,638. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs earned it the #2 place for special education. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public school located in the city of Colorado Springs. In-state tuition and fees average $10,906, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. Special Education graduates carry a median of $23,559 in student loans. Special Education graduates of University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs earn a median of $52,083 early in their careers. Set against $23,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants.

3

Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at Western State College Of Colorado, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Gunnison, Western State College Of Colorado is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,318, while out-of-state students pay about $24,434. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $23,455. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Western State College Of Colorado generally make around $36,712. Set against $23,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

4
Fort Lewis College crest
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO

Students looking for strong value in special education will find it at Fort Lewis College, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Durango, Fort Lewis College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,958, while out-of-state students pay about $21,526. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $18,888. Special Education graduates of Fort Lewis College earn a median of $30,676 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

5

University Of Northern Colorado is a great value for students pursuing a degree in special education, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Special Education graduates carry a median of $26,564 in student loans. Special Education graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $49,499 early in their careers. Set against $26,564 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.

6

University Of Colorado Denver came in at #6 for value in special education this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for special education graduates is $26,582. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from University Of Colorado Denver generally make around $66,022. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants.

7
Regis University crest
Regis University
Denver, CO

Regis University came in at #7 for value in special education this year. Regis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,140. Students borrow a median of $31,773 to complete the special education program here. Soon after graduation, special education degree recipients from Regis University generally make around $72,028. Set against $31,773 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regis University admits about 86% of applicants.

8

Colorado Christian University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value special education schools. Located in the suburb of Lakewood, Colorado Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,846. Special Education graduates carry a median of $36,092 in student loans. Special Education graduates of Colorado Christian University earn a median of $41,475 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $36,092 median debt.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 12 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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