When you earn an affordable master’s in special education online, you’ll discover the best ways to help students with a variety of disabilities and learning conditions. These degrees are useful for many students, including people who already teach in a general classroom, have experience with special education, or have no teaching experience whatsoever.
Whether you are a seasoned special education teacher who wants to advance your skills, or someone who feels the call to help special needs children, there is a program to fit your budget and career goals.
This is one of the largest ranking lists on our site. We have identified over 300 programs from nearly 250 different schools, giving you plenty of options to choose from. With so many options, there are numerous programs that come with a low cost.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$19,400
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina A&T State University ~$6,990
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: Fordham University ~$72,220
By using simple yet thorough calculations, we have created the most reliable database of online master’s in special education programs. Our ranking shows the most accurate costs, so you can choose a program that fits your needs. Everything above the dividing line is priced below the average cost, so if you need the cheapest online master’s in special education, start with these “Best Buys.”
Most Affordable Master’s in Special Education Online Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $6,990.00 $25,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
3 | The University of Texas at Arlington | (TX) | $8,200.00 | All Students |
4 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | (NC) | $8,539.00 $30,304.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Western Carolina University | (NC) | $8,840.00 $26,185.00 $8,840.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
6 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $9,600.00 | All Students |
7 | University of Central Arkansas | (AR) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
7 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
9 | Buena Vista University | (IA) | $9,792.00 | All Students |
10 | Wichita State University | (KS) | $9,892.00 | All Students |
11 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $10,164.00 $19,338.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $10,200.00 $12,750.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $10,500.00 | All Students |
14 | Morningside College | (IA) | $10,540.00 | All Students |
15 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $10,628.00 | All Students |
16 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $10,748.00 | All Students |
17 | Northwestern College Iowa | (IA) | $10,800.00 | All Students |
18 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $10,802.00 $38,007.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $10,808.00 | All Students |
20 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
21 | Western Carolina University | (NC) | $11,492.00 $34,041.00 $11,492.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
22 | University of West Florida | (FL) | $11,538.00 $14,365.00 $11,538.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
23 | Henderson State University | (AR) | $11,550.00 $15,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,595.00 | All Students |
25 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $11,610.00 | All Students |
26 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $11,635.00 $15,181.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $11,662.00 $11,695.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Lamar University | (TX) | $11,664.00 | All Students |
29 | Martin Luther College | (MN) | $11,700.00 | All Students |
30 | Montana State University-Billings | (MT) | $11,734.00 $20,409.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 |  East Central University | (OK) | $11,872.00 $23,231.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Dordt University | (IA) | $11,900.00 | All Students |
33 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $11,970.00 | All Students |
34 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $12,001.00 | All Students |
35 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $12,058.00 | All Students |
36 | Texas A & M International University | (TX) | $12,111.00 $33,990.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
37 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $12,240.00 $15,300.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
38 | Texas Woman's University | (TX) | $12,292.00 $24,532.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
39 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $12,300.00 | All Students |
40 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $12,421.00 | All Students |
41 | Friends University | (KS) | $12,510.00 | All Students |
42 | Campbellsville University | (KY) | $12,690.00 | All Students |
43 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $12,810.00 $18,030.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
44 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
45 | Wayne State College | (NE) | $12,924.00 | All Students |
46 | The University of Texas Permian Basin | (TX) | $12,956.00 | All Students |
47 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $12,960.00 $20,310.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
48 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $13,200.00 | All Students |
49 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
50 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
51 | Florida State University | (FL) | $13,328.00 $32,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
52 | Minot State University | (ND) | $13,365.00 | All Students |
53 | Drury University | (MO) | $13,434.00 | All Students |
54 | Florida Gulf Coast University | (FL) | $13,442.00 | All Students |
55 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
56 | Kentucky State University | (KY) | $13,464.00 $16,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
57 | Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
58 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
59 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $13,518.00 | All Students |
60 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $13,555.00 $18,465.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
61 | California State University-Fullerton | (CA) | $13,586.00 $25,466.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
62 | Baker University | (KS) | $13,608.00 | All Students |
63 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $13,730.00 $12,050.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
64 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | (TX) | $13,800.00 | All Students |
65 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $13,827.00 | All Students |
66 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $13,843.00 $27,215.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
67 | Texas Woman's University | (TX) | $13,889.00 $19,621.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
68 | Montana State University-Billings | (MT) | $13,955.00 $24,207.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
69 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $14,008.00 | All Students |
70 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $14,220.00 | All Students |
71 | Fort Lewis College | (CO) | $14,226.00 | All Students |
72 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $14,227.00 $16,807.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
73 | Minot State University | (ND) | $14,256.00 | All Students |
74 | Ball State University | (IN) | $14,330.00 $20,870.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
75 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $14,444.00 | All Students |
76 |  Purdue University | (IN) | $14,445.00 $22,195.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
77 | Texas A & M University-Kingsville | (TX) | $14,473.00 $30,849.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
78 | Georgetown College | (KY) | $14,505.00 | All Students |
79 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $14,665.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
80 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $14,760.00 | All Students |
81 | Greenville University | (IL) | $14,789.00 | All Students |
82 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,826.00 | All Students |
83 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
84 | The College of Saint Scholastica | (MN) | $14,972.00 | All Students |
85 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | (WI) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
85 | Southeastern University | (FL) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
85 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | (WI) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
88 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $15,088.00 $18,904.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
89 | Midwestern State University | (TX) | $15,183.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
90 | University of North Texas | (TX) | $15,241.00 $17,680.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
91 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
92 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,318.00 | All Students |
93 | Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $15,360.00 | All Students |
94 |  Shawnee State University | (OH) | $15,368.00 $16,558.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
95 | Ohio University | (OH) | $15,372.00 $15,942.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
96 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | (WI) | $15,390.00 | All Students |
97 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | (MA) | $15,400.00 | All Students |
98 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $15,438.00 | All Students |
99 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $15,552.00 $24,372.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
100 | University of South Alabama | (AL) | $15,555.00 | All Students |
101 | Wilson College | (PA) | $15,575.00 | All Students |
102 | William Paterson University of New Jersey | (NJ) | $15,600.00 | All Students |
103 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students |
104 | Northern State University | (SD) | $15,749.00 | All Students |
105 | Fitchburg State University | (MA) | $15,795.00 | All Students |
106 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $15,830.00 $30,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
107 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $15,840.00 | All Students |
108 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $15,925.00 $20,612.00 $15,925.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
109 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $15,990.00 | All Students |
110 | Marshall University | (WV) | $16,020.00 | All Students |
111 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
112 | Stephen F. Austin State University | (TX) | $16,054.00 $30,742.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
113 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $16,110.00 | All Students |
114 | Asbury University | (KY) | $16,150.00 | All Students |
115 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $16,170.00 | All Students |
116 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $16,242.00 | All Students |
117 | New England College | (NH) | $16,320.00 | All Students |
118 | Georgetown College | (KY) | $16,335.00 | All Students |
119 | Black Hills State University | (SD) | $16,466.00 | All Students |
120 | Fairmont State University | (WV) | $16,470.00 | All Students |
121 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $16,476.00 $31,164.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
122 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $16,598.00 $16,972.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
123 | Jackson State University | (MS) | $16,632.00 | All Students |
124 | Mary Baldwin University | (VA) | $16,635.00 | All Students |
125 | Lake Erie College | (OH) | $16,650.00 | All Students |
126 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
127 | Missouri Western State University | (MO) | $16,785.00 $18,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
128 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | (MA) | $16,800.00 | All Students |
129 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $16,847.00 $15,410.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
130 | Boise State University | (ID) | $16,884.00 $30,484.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
131 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
131 | Xavier University | (OH) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
131 | Troy University | (AL) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
134 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $17,116.00 $10,120.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
135 | University of Louisville | (KY) | $17,430.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
136 | Alcorn State University | (MS) | $17,468.00 | All Students |
137 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $17,490.00 | All Students |
138 | Clemson University | (SC) | $17,539.00 | All Students |
139 | Western Illinois University | (IL) | $17,630.00 $24,567.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
140 | Carson-Newman University | (TN) | $17,640.00 | All Students |
141 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | (IN) | $17,655.00 | All Students |
142 | University of Idaho | (ID) | $17,670.00 | All Students |
143 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $17,791.00 | All Students |
144 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $17,836.00 | All Students |
145 | Coastal Carolina University | (SC) | $17,940.00 $34,380.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
146 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $17,970.00 | All Students |
147 | Bethel University - MN | (MN) | $17,985.00 | All Students |
148 | McNeese State University | (LA) | $18,016.00 $20,016.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
149 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students |
150 | McDaniel College | (MD) | $18,133.00 | All Students |
151 | University of Maine | (ME) | $18,150.00 | All Students |
152 | Frostburg State University | (MD) | $18,264.00 $23,412.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
153 | Bemidji State University | (MN) | $18,282.00 | All Students |
154 | Florida International University | (FL) | $18,300.00 | All Students |
155 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $18,375.00 | All Students |
156 | University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students |
157 |  Calvin University | (MI) | $18,400.00 | All Students |
158 | Georgetown College | (KY) | $18,420.00 | All Students |
159 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $18,525.00 | All Students |
160 | Carlow University | (PA) | $18,540.00 | All Students |
161 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $18,556.00 | All Students |
162 | University of Mary | (ND) | $18,570.00 | All Students |
163 | Kent State University | (OH) | $18,642.00 $18,972.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
164 | University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
165 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $18,717.00 $22,156.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
166 | University of the Southwest | (NM) | $18,750.00 | All Students |
167 |  Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $18,778.00 | All Students |
168 | Marian University | (WI) | $18,810.00 | All Students |
169 |  Alvernia University | (PA) | $18,843.00 | All Students |
170 | University of Toledo | (OH) | $19,173.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
171 | University of New England | (ME) | $19,200.00 | All Students |
172 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $19,239.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Regent University | (VA) | $19,550.00 | All Students | |
University of Kansas | (KS) | $19,635.00 | All Students | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $19,680.00 | All Students | |
McDaniel College | (MD) | $19,744.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $19,793.00 | All Students | |
Baldwin Wallace University | (OH) | $19,800.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $19,822.00 | All Students | |
Boise State University | (ID) | $19,833.00 $35,833.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $19,870.00 | All Students | |
University of Hartford | (CT) | $20,010.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $20,020.00 $12,475.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $20,108.00 | All Students | |
Minnesota State University-Moorhead | (MN) | $20,154.00 | All Students | |
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $20,394.00 $29,304.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Western Governors University | (UT) | $20,450.00 | All Students | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $20,550.00 | All Students | |
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $20,628.00 | All Students | |
Auburn University | (AL) | $20,790.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $20,820.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $20,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisville | (KY) | $20,916.00 $9,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bluffton University | (OH) | $20,920.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $20,988.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $21,000.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Connecticut State University | (CT) | $21,030.00 | All Students | |
University of San Diego | (CA) | $21,300.00 | All Students | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
University of Kentucky | (KY) | $21,465.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $21,550.00 $12,640.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $21,582.00 $26,202.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Hawaii at Manoa | (HI) | $21,712.00 | All Students | |
Rowan University | (NJ) | $21,935.00 | All Students | |
Marian University | (WI) | $21,945.00 | All Students | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $21,988.00 | All Students | |
Messiah University | (PA) | $22,050.00 | All Students | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $22,140.00 | All Students | |
West Chester University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $22,275.00 $22,655.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Quinnipiac University | (CT) | $22,280.00 | All Students | |
Washington State University | (WA) | $22,293.00 | All Students | |
University of Alaska Fairbanks | (AK) | $22,320.00 | All Students | |
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $22,370.00 $24,955.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $22,380.00 $22,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Spring Arbor University | (MI) | $22,385.00 | All Students | |
 Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $22,385.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee State University | (TN) | $22,386.00 $32,004.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $22,500.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $22,522.00 $25,888.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $22,759.00 $14,125.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Winthrop University | (SC) | $22,780.00 | All Students | |
Notre Dame College (School Closing) Master of Education / Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist (K-12) 14 | (OH) | $22,880.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts Global | (CA) | $22,935.00 $13,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $22,990.00 | All Students | |
University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $23,100.00 | All Students | |
Cairn University | (PA) | $23,220.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisville | (KY) | $23,250.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Prescott College | (AZ) | $23,322.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $23,508.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern College - Kansas | (KS) | $23,520.00 $17,940.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Seton Hill University | (PA) | $23,640.00 | All Students | |
Western Michigan University | (MI) | $23,769.00 | All Students | |
Prescott College | (AZ) | $23,920.00 | All Students | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $24,210.00 | All Students | |
Mary Baldwin University | (VA) | $24,210.00 | All Students | |
West Virginia University | (WV) | $24,480.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $24,486.00 | All Students | |
St. Bonaventure University | (NY) | $24,550.00 | All Students | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $24,984.00 | All Students | |
Norfolk State University | (VA) | $25,410.00 $51,034.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $25,494.00 | All Students | |
University of Delaware | (DE) | $25,559.00 | All Students | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $26,015.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $26,068.00 | All Students | |
Western Oregon University | (OR) | $26,224.00 | All Students | |
Gwynedd Mercy University | (PA) | $26,239.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey City University | (NJ) | $26,423.00 | All Students | |
The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $26,502.00 $28,896.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Roberts Wesleyan University | (NY) | $26,763.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $26,780.00 | All Students | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Master of Arts in Education / Special Education CAEP,14 | (MO) | $26,805.00 | All Students | |
Michigan State University | (MI) | $26,925.00 | All Students | |
Portland State University | (OR) | $27,075.00 | All Students | |
University of Mary | (ND) | $27,166.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $27,506.00 | All Students | |
Franklin Pierce University | (NH) | $27,930.00 | All Students | |
Southwest Minnesota State University | (MN) | $28,899.00 | All Students | |
University of Washington | (WA) | $28,940.00 | All Students | |
Niagara University | (NY) | $29,195.00 $25,195.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education CAEP,14 | (MO) | $29,235.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $30,195.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $30,208.00 | All Students | |
Virginia Commonwealth University | (VA) | $31,761.00 $61,102.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $31,889.00 | All Students | |
Texas A & M University | (TX) | $32,104.00 $70,232.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $32,661.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $32,692.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $33,231.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $33,360.00 | All Students | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $33,668.00 | All Students | |
George Fox University | (OR) | $35,550.00 | All Students | |
Roberts Wesleyan University | (NY) | $36,495.00 | All Students | |
Pacific University | (OR) | $37,362.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $37,530.00 | All Students | |
Widener University | (PA) | $38,295.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $40,680.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $41,832.00 | All Students | |
University of Denver | (CO) | $42,350.00 | All Students | |
Northern Michigan University | (MI) | $43,248.00 | All Students | |
Pacific Oaks College | (CA) | $49,875.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $50,256.00 $46,944.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $63,208.00 | All Students | |
Fordham University | (NY) | $72,220.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master’s in special education online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited, affordable master’s in special education online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master's in special education in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online master’s degree in special education including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s degree in special education online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
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Why Should I Get an Affordable Master’s in Special Education Online?
Wondering if a master’s degree in special education online is right for you? Everyone will have their own motivations for choosing these degrees, but here are a few of the reasons why you might select these programs:
- Strong pay: The median pay for a special education teacher is $62,950, while the top 10% earn over $102,000 annually.
- A rewarding profession: This is a challenging career, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. In this role, you can have a positive impact on children with disabilities. Every night, you’ll go to bed knowing that today’s work made a real difference.
- A large job pool: While growth is slow, there are almost 500,000 special education teachers in the U.S. With retirements and job changes, there could be numerous job options.
Program Cost for a Master’s in Special Education Online Degree
No matter your budget, you should research the total cost for a master’s in special education. Aid such as scholarships, grants, and loans can help pay for your education, but knowing the total cost is the first step.
These programs fluctuate widely in cost. Ranging from less than $7,000 to over $72,000, the average price is $19,500. Assuming a two-year track (the typical path for these degrees), the average per-year cost is $9,750.
If you are looking for the cheapest online master’s in special education, there are plenty of excellent options. The most affordable master’s in special education online (at least for in-state students) is the Master of Arts in Teaching / Special Education from North Carolina A&T State University. This program has a price of $6,990, the lowest on this list. However, this price is for North Carolina residents only; out-of-state students must pay $25,800, over $6,000 more than the average.
For all students, regardless of residency, the cheapest master’s in special education online is the Master of Education in Special Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, which has a price of $8,160 for all students. The Master of Education in Special Education from The University of Texas at Arlington is another low-cost option; all students pay $8,200 for the program.
The least affordable master’s in special education online comes from Fordham University. This private school charges $72,220 for its Master of Science in Teaching, which comes with specializations in Childhood Special Education or Early Childhood Special Education.
With research and patience, you can find a program that meets your specific needs. Here are some more details about some of the cheapest online master’s in special education.
Top Three Cheapest Online Master’s in Special Education
#1. North Carolina A&T State University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Special Education
No teaching license is required for admission to the top program on our list. The MAT in Special Education from North Carolina A&T State University is a great option for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree but have not yet pursued teaching certification. With a cost of just $6,990 for in-state students, this program is a great choice for North Carolina residents.
While the program is open to out-of-state students, they should be aware of the $25,800 price tag and hybrid format, requiring some on-campus, hybrid, and in-person off-campus meetings in addition to online coursework.
Coursework is designed to prepare students to pass the State of North Carolina Foundations of Reading test, General Curriculum Mathematics Subtest, and Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications test, culminating in initial teaching licensure in North Carolina Exceptional Children: General Curriculum.
#2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Special Education
An affordable option for students nationwide, the M.Ed in Special Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University can be completed for about $8,160. This program offers CAEP-accredited coursework in two concentrations – Administration and Challenging Behaviors – allowing students to choose the option that best fits their career goals and interests.
Going beyond the basics of special education, this graduate-level program delves into cultural and legal aspects of SPED services. Participants will enhance their skill set in working with exceptional learners in a variety of educational settings. Both concentrations share 21 credit hours of core coursework, building skills in research, student assessment, evidence-based practice, instructional strategies, advocacy, and program development.
#3. The University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Education in Special Education
The M.Ed in Special Education from The University of Texas at Arlington can be customized to meet students’ needs, whether they are already working as teachers or need initial teaching certification. Students can additionally choose to concentrate on high-incidence, low-incidence, or both high- and low-incidence disabilities. This wide range of options can be completed for as little as $8,200, making this the third cheapest online special education master’s program in our database. This tuition rate is extended to students in all US states.
Regardless of which option you choose, you will complete primarily online coursework, with additional practicum experiences in your local schools. The program focuses on practices based on research and evidence, applied behavior analysis, and multi-tiered systems of support. Students will learn how to apply these principles to real-world classroom situations.
What to Expect from a Master’s Degree in Special Education Online
These programs instill many skills that are essential to special education teachers. After graduation, you’ll be able to implement teaching strategies that advance the learning of special needs children. You’ll be able to create safe, productive learning environments that build positive interactions between you and the kids you teach. You’ll also understand the various conditions that impact children and learn specific strategies for dealing with each type.
From using evidence-based instructional strategies to identifying and tracking the progress of children, these degrees give you the advanced knowledge required for these careers.
A master’s degree of any type will require at least 30 credit hours of study. However, some programs require as much as 40 hours or more, especially if the special education aspect is an additional endorsement. Unless you are taking an accelerated program, expect at least two years of study.
With or Without Certification?
One of the decisions you’ll need to make before enrolling in one of these programs is whether you need certification. Some of these programs allow you to become a certified teacher, helping you reach the state-mandated requirements for the teaching profession. Others do not.
If you are already a teacher, or you’re seeking a special education career where certification is not required (instructional coordinator, for example), a non-certification program is a good choice.
A master’s in special education online degree can come in various formats and types. There are masters of arts and masters of science programs, as well as masters of education programs. In general, a master of arts is more focused on the theory and philosophy of teaching, while a master of science dives into data and research studies. A master of education tends to focus on the management and leadership of academic systems. Principals often hold a master of education degree.
Typical Courses in a Master’s in Special Education Online
The best way to understand these degrees – to know what you’ll be learning and what the courses expect from you – is to look at the structure and curriculum. With over 300 programs in this database, we can’t detail every class. However, we can look at the required coursework from a few specific degrees to create a clear picture of the course expectations.
Northwestern College Iowa – Master of Education in Special Education
Students in this program can choose the 30-hour option, allowing completion in roughly two years. They can also select the endorsement program, which may require as much as 42 credit hours. The 30-hour program (non-endorsement) requires 15 credits in general teaching subjects and 15 hours in special education.
The core courses include classes on teaching and learning, research methods, and current issues in education. The Special Education emphasis includes “Instructional Decision Making and Leadership in Special Education,” “Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Special Education,” and “Behavior and Social Interventions of Learners.”
University of North Carolina at Pembroke – Master of Arts in Teaching / Special Education
This program consists of a single block of core courses that cover education and special education issues. Graduates must complete 10 core courses (3 hours each) and an internship at a public school.
Classes in this program cover a wide range of topics. Students will complete “An Introduction to the Basic Tenets of Education,” “Advanced Classroom Management,” and “Behavior Management and Support.” Classes that are specific to special education include “Policies and Procedures in Special Education,” “Contemporary Issues in Special Education,” and “Mild to Moderate Disabilities: Reading/Written Language Strategies and Instruction.”
Eastern New Mexico University – Master of Special Education in General Special Education
This 100% online program is for current educators with a license in special education who want to advance their knowledge and skills. Students will gain a deeper insight into the various emotional and cognitive issues that impact students, as well as theories and strategies for handling these conditions.
Courses in this program include “8 Foundations of Early Childhood Special Education,” “High Incidence Disabilities: Theory to Practice,” and “Autism Spectrum Disorders.”
Accreditation for an Online Master’s Degree in Special Education
Accreditation is an essential aspect of the academic system. Essentially, it’s a review process that verifies the quality and consistency of a school and a degree. When an institution or program has accreditation, that means it has met specific standards set by an accrediting body – a group of academic experts, working professionals, and other stakeholders.
Institutional accreditation is the most common type. This form covers an entire college or university, including online schools. It’s granted by regional groups that cover large sections of the country. Regional accrediting bodies include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, for example. All programs in our database, including these masters in special education online programs, hold institutional accreditation.
The other form of accreditation is programmatic. This type, granted by subject-specific groups, only covers a specific degree. For example, a health informatics degree can have approval from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
These online masters in special education degrees are, at their heart, teaching programs. This means they are accredited by teaching-specific organizations. The most common programmatic accrediting body for teaching programs is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group focuses on programs that educate future teachers, including special education teachers.
The other programmatic group in this list is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Founded in 2017, this is a newer organization that encourages teaching innovations, advancements, and developments to improve the education system and create more effective teachers.
Many programs do not carry programmatic accreditation. As long as your school has institutional accreditation, it will deliver a high-quality degree that helps establish a solid career in education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Special Education Master’s Programs
A master’s degree is one of the highest levels of academic achievement. They are difficult, complex, and rigorous. To ensure you are prepared for the challenge, schools have strict enrollment and admission requirements for master’s programs.
Most importantly, you need a bachelor’s degree. While a degree in teaching is ideal for these programs, some special education master’s degrees will accept applicants from a variety of educational backgrounds. As long as you have a bachelor’s degree, you can likely find a program that will accept your application.
Some schools have GPA requirements for master’s programs. A 2.5, 2.75, or 3.0 are common expectations for incoming students.
To enroll in these programs, you will need to supply a range of documents and information. For starters, you’ll need multiple letters of recommendation. Schools often require three or four letters on your behalf from professional or scholarly contacts.
You’ll also need to supply a statement of purpose. This document, which is usually under 300 words, should outline your reasons for seeking a master’s in special education online degree and describe your goals after graduation.
Admissions for a master’s degree can be tough, but most students with a strong academic background and professional experience will find a school that accepts their application.
Licensing and Certification for Special Education Experts
In years past, special education teachers needed state-mandated licensing or certification just like a typical classroom teacher. However, changes in education, as well as increases in the number of special needs students, have created new options for educators. Today, it’s possible to work as a special needs educator without state certification.
Alternative licensing programs have been created, but many educators still go through state certification to become special needs teachers.
States require public school teachers to obtain licensure for the specific level they teach. Requirements for certification, aside from the right education, include passing a background check and completing a general teaching test. There will also be a skill-specific test, which in this case means special education.
According to Vanderbilt University, states generally fall into four categories for special needs teachers:
- Test In State: These states require special education teachers to pass a course on exceptional children, which can be done through formal education or an alternative route.
- Require Endorsement with Coursework: These states require an endorsement for teachers to work in special education. They must complete a minimum number of credit hours (which varies) to meet the requirements.
- Dual Enrollment Bachelor’s Degree: In these states, teachers can complete coursework for general education and special education in a combined program.
- Bachelor or Master’s Degree Required: Some states require at least a bachelor’s degree in special education, while others may require a master’s degree.
It is vital to know the rules for the state you plan to teach in, as the state requirements will guide your education choices. For example, if you want to be a special education teacher in Florida, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree; in Minnesota you only need a single course.
Career Outlook for Special Education Teachers
Education may not be a high-growth career, but there are opportunities. This is especially true for well-educated, hard-working, dedicated teachers who understand special education students.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the occupation of special education teacher will see no growth (0%) between 2022 and 2032. By comparison, the job growth for all occupations is predicted at 3%; 0% growth essentially amounts to a decline.
However, it seems that the job pool is fairly large. In total, there are 498,400 special education teachers across the US. With retirements and career transitions, there could be many job openings for special education experts.
The pay for this career is strong as well. The BLS says that the median salary for special education teachers is $62,950. The top 10% earn over $102,450 annually.
While larger states have more total special education teachers, West Virginia has the highest concentration. For every 1,000 jobs, there are 4.47 special education teachers in this state. This is by far the highest concentration; second on the list is New Jersey with 2.71 per 1,000 jobs.
The state of New York has the highest pay for special education teachers. The median pay in this state is $86,920.
Overall, this is a stable career with many positions. Growth will be slow, but qualified applicants can expect strong salaries, especially after completing an online master’s in special education.
Continuing Education for Special Education Teachers
After graduating with a master’s in special education online degree, you’ll have many options for continuing your education. If you work in a position that requires certification, you’ll likely need official continuing education credits. In addition, you can advance your academic career through a doctorate of education (Ed.D) or a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education.
Numerous groups can assist in your continuing education. The National Association of Special Education Teachers, for example, offers professional development courses that could help you meet state-required education credits.
Help Special Needs Students Reach Their Full Potential!
There is greatness in every child. You can help children of all types reach their true potential when you become a special education teacher. Use the resources at GetEducated.com to learn more about the top degrees in this field and to find the cheapest online master’s in special education that meets your needs.