Best Online Bachelor's In Special Education Degrees

Take action with the best online bachelor's in special education degrees to advance your career and make a difference in the lives of students.
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Updated June 15, 2023

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Special Education teachers wear many hats.

According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles for special education teachers should grow by 8% between 2016-2026, creating the need for 33,300 new SPED educators. In addition to providing higher salaries than standard teachers (SPED teachers earn an average of $2,080 more than teachers without this endorsement), educators in this field have the opportunity to help students with disabilities reach their full potential. As the number of special education students has risen in the previous couple years, the need for these qualified educators will continue to exist. Learners who decide to pursue graduate studies also stand to earn even higher salaries and take on leadership roles in their schools. If you're passionate about serving exceptional students, the following ranking of online special education degree paths can help you find the perfect college or university for taking the next step.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Best Online Bachelor’s In Special Education Degrees

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The flexibility of University of Georgia's bachelor of science in special education makes it a great choice for individuals looking for a remote education that fits their schedule. A total of 5,389 remote degree-seekers attend the public institution, which features two online bachelor's programs with industry relevance. The college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources from its campus in Athens, Georgia, such as a tight-knit remote community.

Interactive classes provide students with knowledge relevant to the special education industry. The curriculum for the special education degree includes courses on general education and advanced topics, with the option to individualize classes and choose electives. Enrollees can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities. Internships, externships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand experience of working in the special education field.

The admissions office can tell applicants more about enrollment requirements. Of all enrollees, 97% get some type of financial aid, so students should check with the financial aid office to see what the eligibility requirements are. Eligible learners can decrease their educational expenses through scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,878
Out-of-state
$25,186
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
38,920
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
14% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Bachelor’s In Special Education Degrees

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

The bachelor of arts in special education at Western Governors University suits people looking for an online education in special education with extra flexibility. A supportive virtual community and other institutional resources benefit distance learners at the Salt Lake City, Utah, college.

Students in the special education program gain knowledge relevant to the industry from immersive classes. Classes in the special education curriculum cover general education and advanced topics and can be customized. Enrollees can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities. Externships, internships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work in the special education field.

Prospective applicants can ask the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Financial aid is awarded to 72% of all enrollees, so students should meet with the financial aid office to see if they qualify. Lowering the cost of a degree is possible for learners who qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
136,139
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 Best Online Bachelor’s In Special Education Degrees

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the special education field? Check out the BS in special education at Old Dominion University. The 12,854 online learners at the public college receive a premier education, choosing from 20 bachelor's programs offered remotely.

The bachelor of science in special education prepares students for a good career in special education by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Enrollees take classes on a variety of subjects, covering both foundational and advanced concepts in the field. Experiential learning opportunities help degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge to advance their career goals. Learners can benefit from internships and externships, or industry-specific research projects. During the special education degree, students can talk to their academic advisor and career counselor to receive guidance.

To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities, like scholarships and fellowships, from internal and external sources. A leader in online education, the college connects students with financial aid to support their learning endeavors, reporting 94% of all enrollees receive aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,207
Out-of-state
$29,851
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Bachelor’s In Special Education Degrees

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The premier online degrees at Lynchburg, Virginia-based Liberty University suit students looking for a competitive program. The 78,511 learners enrolled remotely at the private institution choose from 30 bachelor's programs available online. The bachelor of education in special education provides a rigorous education relevant to the special education profession to degree-seekers interested in special education careers.

The special education program's distance learning community supports participants, connecting them with faculty and peers in an online classroom environment. Enrollees complete coursework covering foundational and advanced topics to gain knowledge relevant to the special education field. The hands-on practice learners get in internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities builds their competency for a future profession in special education. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources focused on student success that the institution offers to degree-seekers during the program.

Funding opportunities found with the help of a financial aid officer can bring down special education degree costs. Many funding opportunities are available to students at the college, including fellowships, scholarships, and federal assistance. In all, 99% of all students receive some form of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,980
Out-of-state
$7,980
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Bachelor’s In Special Education Degrees

Mayville State University

  • Mayville, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Trying to find a flexible education to prepare you for a special education career? Look at Mayville State University's B.S.Ed. in special education. The public college supports one online bachelor’s degree program, connecting 765 online learners with a premier undergraduate education.

The bachelor's in special education prepares students for a fulfilling career by giving them the tools needed for success. The broad curriculum includes different types of classes that cover both foundational concepts and advanced knowledge in the field. Experiential learning opportunities deepen degree-seekers' industry knowledge, helping them advance their career goals. Internships, externships, and applied research projects provide learners with valuable knowledge. Throughout the degree, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.

To bring down the price of their degree, eligible applicants can seek out scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities from internal and external sources. A benefit of attending a leader in remote education, degree-seekers get connected to funding opportunities to support their academic journey, with 94% of them receiving aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,793
Out-of-state
$8,690
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,580
Out-of-state
$5,580
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
1,212
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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