Best Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs of 2025
Online master’s in special education programs help you gain the skills to work with students with special needs. Learn more about affordable programs.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
- #1: University of Florida — UF’s Teach Well Online Academy has a high graduation rate in an affordable, flexible format.
- #2: Lamar University — Lamar University shapes its curriculum around the diverse students in special education.
- #3: University of Missouri-St.Louis — The University of Missouri’s estimated program cost is less than $18,600.
A master’s in special education program prepares you to support students with special needs. A master’s degree can also unlock advanced career options that may not be available to bachelor’s degree graduates, including administration, curriculum development, government, and leadership roles in special needs residential facilities.
A master’s degree in special education usually takes two years to earn, although certain online programs offer accelerated paths that allow you to graduate in less time. Read on to learn about affordable online special education master’s degrees that don’t compromise on quality.
Best Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
How We Rank Schools
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The Teach Well Online Academy at the University of Florida combines flexibility with a specialized curriculum to help current teachers earn a graduate degree in special education.
The part-time, 36-hour program takes two years to complete. It offers specialized tracks in behavior, academics, disabilities in society, dyslexia, and early childhood studies. Those focused tracks, coupled with the highest graduation rate on this list, landed the University of Florida at the top of our list.
The University of Florida also offers a specialist program for people who already possess a master’s degree in a related field.
Highlights
- $449 tuition per credit regardless of state residency
- Geared toward current teachers
- Specialized tracks
Know Before You Apply
- Part-time program that takes two years to complete
- Specialist option available
57%
$10,770
97%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,814
- Institution Type
- Public
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Lamar University shapes its curriculum around the diversity of students in special education.
The 36-credit program includes a core curriculum on research, teaching, behavior assessment, language arts, and special education law to give teachers a well-rounded overview of how to help students in special education excel. While the program doesn’t fulfill state licensure requirements on its own, it can set you on the path to becoming a special education instructor by teaching you the fundamentals of the field.
The program also offers highly flexible start dates, so you can apply and get started on your degree throughout the year.
Highlights
- $12,312 total tuition cost, regardless of state residency
- Finish in as little as 18 months
- 36 credits
Know Before You Apply
- Non-thesis program
- Comprehensive exam required at the end of program
- Rolling start dates
81%
$ 6,471
59%
$13,815
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,914
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri puts research into practice with its online master’s in special education program.
With a total estimated program cost of $18,539 and flexibility built in for part-time students, Mizzou’s online special education program familiarizes students with current best practices at an affordable cost. The program also includes instruction in classroom management and how to communicate with families to help students beyond the classroom.
Mizzou also offers electives in literacy, language development, and mathematics. This holistic approach aims to prepare graduates to be a resource and an educator to their future students.
Highlights
- $18,539 estimated cost, regardless of state residency
- Takes 2-3 years to complete
- Research-based
Know Before You Apply
- Comprehensive exam required at the end of the program
- Can enroll as a nondegree-seeking student before acceptance
- Tuition sponsorship available for qualifying Missouri teachers
42%
$13,154
68%
$32,294
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,815
- Institution Type
- Public
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Montgomery, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Auburn University Montgomery tailors its special education master’s degree to your personal teaching goals.
The program offers specializations in early childhood education, K-6 education, and 6-12 education. Each area of study includes specialized courses and a built-in practicum to give you real-world experience in the field. The program also prepares you to earn a class A certification in Alabama, boosting your earning potential.
The AUM master’s in special education program combines that personalize curriculum with good student outcomes: The school has a high graduation rate and highly affordable tuition of between $13,950 and $15,330 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively.
Highlights
- $465 cost per credit for Alabama residents
- $511 for non-residents
- 30 credits total.
Know Before You Apply
- Prepares for higher ed certification in Alabama
- Customized curriculum based on grade level
- Online career services available
61%
$ 7,812
66%
$17,550
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,190
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Houston offers a special education concentration within its master’s of education in special education degree. That degree is designed for flexibility, allowing working professionals to earn their master’s without sacrificing work or family obligations.
The curriculum includes instruction in behavior interventions, making evidence-based decisions, and individualizing instruction for students.
The online program also offers additional certifications in special education, educational diagnostics, and special education leadership, although those programs are hybrid and require in-person elements.
Highlights
- $489 tuition per credit hour for in-state students
- $999 tuition for out-of-state students
- Flexibility focused
Know Before You Apply
- More costly than other degree programs
- Licensing tracks may include in-person elements
70%
$ 8,713
87%
$17,857
- Acceptance Rate
- 70%
- Students Enrolled
- 46,676
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
With UNC Greensboro’s special education program, you can earn a specialization within its master of arts and teaching degree.
The 15-month, cohort-based program emphasizes problem-based learning. That means you’ll use evidence-based practices to solve real-world problems within your curriculum. The cohort model also means that, even though your classes will be online, you’ll have interaction and teamwork with your peers.
The program includes instruction in teaching beyond the K-12 experience.
Highlights
- $350 tuition per credit for in-state students
- $1,084 tuition per credit for out-of-state students
- Lower net price after aid
Know Before You Apply
- Prepares candidates to get an initial license in special education
- Curriculum aimed at individuals who have an undergraduate degree in a field other than education
69%
$ 5,219
76%
$18,937
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,743
- Institution Type
- Public
Wayne State College
- Wayne, NE
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Wayne State offers pathways within its special education master’s degree for both current teachers and those who want to break into the field, meaning you can tailor the degree to your current career goals.
If you’re already a special education teacher, you can opt for the 36-hour advanced study track with a focus on best practices, research, and developing curriculum with a focus on professional education. If you’re a teacher who wants to move into special education, you can take the 42-48 hour generalist track that leverages your current teaching experience into special education.
The special education initial certification track is available for students who don’t already have a teaching certification. That track focuses on preparing you for certification with the fundamentals of special education.
Highlights
- Total tuition between $13,608 and $19,278, depending on your chosen track
- Multiple pathways based on career level
- Build on existing experience with an advanced track
Know Before You Apply
- Credits and costs vary by track
- Non-degree options available
- Transfer up to 18 graduate credits
42%
$4,185
73%
$8,370
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,807
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UNC Charlotte’s special education master’s program is designed to help experienced educators build on their special education expertise by teaching evidence-based best practices and leadership skills.
The special education concentration within UNC Charlotte’s special education and child development master’s degree focuses on professional development and preparing you to lead within the field of special education.
The 33-credit hour degree includes 12 hours for a specialty track, which will let you tack on an additional adapted curriculum or general curriculum teaching license in North Carolina. You can earn a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorder, provided that you’re admitted to UNC Charlotte’s autism spectrum disorder program.
Highlights
- $289 per credit for in-state students
- $1,098 per credit for out-of-state students
- Specializations available
Know Before You Apply
- Designed for experienced teachers
- Autism spectrum disorder certificate available
56%
$ 4,337
84%
$18,482
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,298
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The master’s of science in education at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater lets you tailor the degree to your interests and goals as an educator.
The program offers specializations in a number of high-demand areas within the special education field. Those include adaptive education, applied behavior analysis, cross categorical special education, and evidence-based practice. Those concentrations can be geared toward either currently practicing teachers or people who want to earn their initial licensure.
The program also includes several certificate programs, including in assistive technology, autism, dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, and more. The 36-credit program is self-paced and can be finished in as few as three semesters.
Highlights
- $636 per credit for in-state students
- $1,250 per credit for out-of-state students
- Highly specialized
Know Before You Apply
- Concentrations depend on current experience and licensure
- Graduate certificates available
55%
$ 8,436
78%
$18,516
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,522
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Kentucky University
- Bowling Green, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Western Kentucky University’s online master’s in special education program has two tracks to help you learn specialized skills within the field: moderate and severe disabilities and learning and behavior disorders.
Both of these tracks include professional learning communities in which you’ll interact with your peers to solve real-world challenges.
The moderate and severe disabilities track requires 33 credits, while the learning and behavior disorders track requires 30.
Highlights
- $707 per credit for distance learners
- Professional learning communities
- Specialized tracks available
Know Before You Apply
- Requires 30 or 33 credit hours, depending on track
- Applicants need to have or be eligible for a teaching certificate
58%
$12,140
78%
$18,340
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,759
- Institution Type
- Public
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Special Education Program?
An online master’s in special education program usually takes around two years to complete. You may be required to take additional classes if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field of study.
Programs typically offer concentrations in areas including elementary or secondary education, gifted, or special education technology. Some programs require students to get hands-on experience through a practicum or internship.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, make sure you fulfill all teaching license requirements, including mandatory student teaching hours, before you graduate.
Common courses in master’s in special education programs include:
- Designing Elementary Instruction for Learners With Disabilities
- Multicultural and Bilingual Special Education
- Assessment in School Settings
- Promoting Positive Behavior
- Special Education Practices: Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines
- Math Instruction for Students With Disabilities
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Special Education Cost?
Online Education Master’s Programs, 2019-20
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$7,911
Avg. Net Price
$6,680
Source: NCES PowerStats
The average annual tuition and fees for an online education master’s program is less than $8,000, according to the NCES, but that figure is further cut down to $6,680 after aid.
That price can vary by school, with public colleges generally being more affordable than private schools. Where you live can also affect the price tag, since many schools charge out-of-state tuition even for online programs.
Filling out the FAFSA and landing financial aid can help you cut down on the cost of an already affordable online degree.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Special Education Degree?
The 1990 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act guarantees a quality education for individuals with special needs. The job outlook for special educators is primarily influenced by school enrollments and requirements for special education services.
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects little change in employment for special education teachers between 2023 and 2033, it also projects there will be 35,900 openings for these professionals each year, on average, during that time period.
According to the BLS, special education teachers earned a median annual wage of $64,270 in May 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $103,290.
Special education teachers can work with students from preschool through high school. However, graduates with an online master’s in special education don’t necessarily need to work in school settings. Nontraditional career paths include working for a nonprofit or a local, state, or federal education department.
| Job | Median Salary (May 2024) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | $59,950 | -13% |
| Career and Technical Education Teachers | $62,910 | 0% |
| Special Education Teachers | $64,270 | 0% |
| Instructional Coordinators | $74,720 | 2% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $78,240 | 8% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $83,980 | 8% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $103,960 | 3% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Special Education Programs
An online master’s in special education is worth it for graduates who want to pursue a career helping students with special needs. Earning a master’s degree online gives you the flexibility to level up your education without putting your life on hold.
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