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2022 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Special Education

544 Colleges in the United States
9,071 Bachelor's Degrees
$36,194 Avg Early-Career Salary
Special Education is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #55 most popular bachelor's degree program in the country. As a result, there are many colleges that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

College Factual reviewed 544 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for bachelor's degree seekers in the field of special education. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 9,071 bachelor's degrees in special education during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Special Education School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Special Education The special ed bachelor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. We created our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Special Education ranking to make it a little easier to choose the right one for you.

While being high in popularity does not always mean a school has a quality special education program, it is a sign that a large number of students choose the school. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

More Ways to Rank Special Education Schools

Associate Degrees in Special Ed
Master's Degrees in Special Ed
Doctor's Degrees in Special Ed
Overall Popularity in Special Ed

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for special education.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.


 

Explore the most popular colleges and universities for special education students seeking a a bachelor's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Special Ed Students Working on Their Bachelor's

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WGU crest
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
769 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In UT
#2 Best Quality In UT

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at Western Governors University if you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in special education. WGU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Utah.

There were approximately 769 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at WGU in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduating, special ed bachelor's recipients usually earn about $37,000 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Western Governors University

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336 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#4 Best Quality In AZ

Any student pursuing a degree in a bachelor's degree in special education needs to look into Grand Canyon University. Located in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Arizona.

There were about 336 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Grand Canyon University in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the special ed program report average early career wages of $33,500.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Grand Canyon University

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241 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#3 Best Quality In OH

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at Bowling Green State University - Main Campus if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree in special education. BGSU is a large public university located in the town of Bowling Green. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Ohio.

There were about 241 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make about $32,800 for their early career.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Bowling Green State University - Main Campus

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161 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#7 Best Quality In NY

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at St. Joseph's College - New York if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree in special education. Located in the city of Brooklyn, SJC is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in New York.

There were roughly 161 special education students who graduated with this degree at SJC in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program earn an average of $30,100 for their early career.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from St. Joseph’s College - New York

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156 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#1 Best Quality In IL

Located in the medium-sized suburb of Normal, Illinois State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Illinois.

There were about 156 special education students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent year we have data available.

Special Education bachelor's degree recipients from Illinois State University earn a boost of approximately $6,406 above the average earnings of special education majors.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Illinois State University

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119 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#1 Best Quality In PA

WCUPA is a large public university located in the large suburb of West Chester. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 119 special education students who graduated with this degree at WCUPA in the most recent data year.

Those special education students who get their bachelor's degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania make $5,906 more than the average special ed student.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania

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Towson crest
Towson University
Towson, MD
117 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
#1 Best Quality In MD

Located in the city of Towson, Towson is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Maryland.

There were approximately 117 special education students who graduated with this degree at Towson in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's recipients from the special education major at Towson University get $9,706 above the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Towson University

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Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
116 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#3 Best Quality In VA

Located in the small city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Virginia.

There were about 116 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make around $21,300 for their early career.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Liberty University

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111 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In PA
#5 Best Quality In PA

Kutztown University is a medium-sized public university located in the town of Kutztown. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 111 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Kutztown University in the most recent year we have data available.

Special Education bachelor's degree recipients from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania earn a boost of about $2,106 over the typical earnings of special education majors.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

10
108 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AZ
#2 Best Quality In AZ

Located in the small city of Flagstaff, NAU is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Arizona.

There were roughly 108 special education students who graduated with this degree at NAU in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the special ed program earn about $36,600 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Northern Arizona University

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98 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In PA
#7 Best Quality In PA

SRU is a moderately-sized public university located in the town of Slippery Rock. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Pennsylvania.

There were about 98 special education students who graduated with this degree at SRU in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make an average of $32,800 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

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88 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In UT
#4 Best Quality In UT

Located in the city of Logan, USU is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Utah.

There were roughly 88 special education students who graduated with this degree at USU in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the special ed program earn about $37,400 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Utah State University

13
85 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In OH
#23 Best Quality In OH

University of Akron Main Campus is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Akron.

There were approximately 85 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at University of Akron Main Campus in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make an average of $32,700 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from University of Akron Main Campus

13
85 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WA
#1 Best Quality In WA

WWU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Bellingham. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Washington.

There were roughly 85 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at WWU in the most recent year we have data available.

Special Education bachelor's degree recipients from Western Washington University earn a boost of around $7,406 over the typical income of special education graduates.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Western Washington University

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84 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WI
#2 Best Quality In WI

Located in the small city of Eau Claire, UW - Eau Claire is a public university with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Wisconsin.

There were about 84 special education students who graduated with this degree at UW - Eau Claire in the most recent data year.

Special Education bachelor's degree recipients from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire receive an earnings boost of about $3,706 above the typical earnings of special education graduates.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

16
83 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

ASU - Tempe is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Tempe. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Arizona.

There were approximately 83 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent data year.

Soon after graduation, special ed bachelor's recipients generally earn about $37,900 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Arizona State University - Tempe

17
80 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In PA
#3 Best Quality In PA

Located in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville is a public university with a moderately-sized student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Pennsylvania.

There were about 80 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Millersville in the most recent year we have data available.

Special Education bachelor's degree recipients from Millersville University of Pennsylvania receive an earnings boost of around $6,306 above the average earnings of special education majors.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania

18
SUNY Cortland crest
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, NY
71 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#3 Best Quality In NY

SUNY Cortland is a moderately-sized public school located in the distant town of Cortland. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in New York.

There were approximately 71 special education students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Cortland in the most recent data year.

Those special education students who get their bachelor's degree from SUNY Cortland earn $5,606 more than the average special ed graduate.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from SUNY Cortland

19
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
69 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AL
#1 Best Quality In AL

Auburn is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Auburn. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Alabama.

There were about 69 special education students who graduated with this degree at Auburn in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the special ed program earn about $33,900 for their early career.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Auburn University

20
67 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#5 Most Popular In PA
#13 Best Quality In PA

Located in the town of Indiana, IUP is a public university with a large student population.

There were about 67 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at IUP in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the special ed program make an average of $37,300 for their early career.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus

21
65 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#3 Best Quality In IN

Ball State is a very large public university located in the small city of Muncie. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Indiana.

There were about 65 special education students who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's recipients from the special education degree program at Ball State University make $3,506 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from Ball State University

22
64 Annual Bachelor's Degrees

Located in the city of Bayamon, UPR Bayamon is a public university with a small student population.

There were approximately 64 special education students who graduated with this degree at UPR Bayamon in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon

23
63 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AL
#2 Best Quality In AL

UA is a very large public university located in the city of Tuscaloosa. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Alabama.

There were about 63 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the special ed program report average early career income of $37,200.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from The University of Alabama

24
62 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#1 Best Quality In NJ

Located in the suburb of Ewing, TCNJ is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in New Jersey.

There were roughly 62 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at TCNJ in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from The College of New Jersey

25
58 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In WI
#5 Best Quality In WI

Located in the city of Oshkosh, UW Oshkosh is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in special education in Wisconsin.

There were about 58 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at UW Oshkosh in the most recent data year.

Those special education students who get their bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh receive $3,906 more than the typical special ed student.

More information about a bachelor’s in special education from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

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27
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
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29
Kean crest
Kean University
Union, NJ
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32
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
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39
Lewis crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
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41
BC crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
41
Providence crest
Providence College
Providence, RI
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46
SUNY Geneseo crest
SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, NY
46
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Remaining Award Winners

This list shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Special Education badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 544 different United States special education schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
49 Ashland University Ashland, OH
51 Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO
51 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
53 Morehead State University Morehead, KY
53 Winona State University Winona, MN
55 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
55 Molloy College Rockville Centre, NY
55 Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato, MN
55 Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, CT
55 Florida International University Miami, FL
60 Syracuse University Syracuse, NY
60 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
60 East Carolina University Greenville, NC
63 Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, NY
63 University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OH
65 Westfield State University Westfield, MA
66 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
66 Brigham Young University - Provo Provo, UT
66 Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, ID
66 Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO
66 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
71 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
71 East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PA
73 Appalachian State University Boone, NC
73 Nazareth College Rochester, NY
75 University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI
75 Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA
75 Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Shippensburg, PA
75 Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA
79 University of Dayton Dayton, OH
79 SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, NY
79 Wayne State College Wayne, NE

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Special Education award.

Rank College Location
82 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
82 Cabrini University Radnor, PA
82 Clarion University of Pennsylvania Clarion, PA
85 Manhattan College Riverdale, NY
85 Pace University - New York New York, NY
85 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
88 SUNY Fredonia Fredonia, NY
88 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
88 Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MO
91 University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MO
91 The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX
93 Nevada State College Henderson, NV
93 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
93 University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI
93 Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, IN
93 Rhode Island College Providence, RI
93 Shawnee State University Portsmouth, OH
93 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
93 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN
101 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY
101 Murray State University Murray, KY
101 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS
104 University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL
104 Dakota State University Madison, SD
104 University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD
107 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
107 Lebanon Valley College Annville, PA
107 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO
107 University of Wisconsin - Stout Menomonie, WI
107 Ohio University - Athens Campus Athens, OH
107 Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA

Special Education by Region

View the Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Special Education for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 14 majors within the Education area of study, Special Education has other similar majors worth exploring.

Special Ed Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
General Special Education 6,588
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs 768
Elementary Special Education 484
Other Special Education & Teaching 385
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities 192
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities 123
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 106
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments 105
Education of the Deaf 91
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Orthopedic & Other Physical Health Impairments 66

Related Major Annual Graduates
Teacher Education Grade Specific 51,113
Teacher Education Subject Specific 21,282
General Education 4,798
Other Education 1,776
Educational Assessment 728
Educational Administration 585
Teaching English or French 399
Education Philosophy 216
Multilingual Education 143
Instructional Media Design 83

Notes and References

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