Best Special Education and Teaching Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 13 colleges offering Special Education and Teaching programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 470 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $42,232 on average within two years — 12% above the national average of $37,724, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn $52,107 while Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates earn $36,176 — a $15,931 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

13
Schools in IL
$42,232
IL Avg. Earnings
$37,724
National Avg.
206
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Special Education and Teaching in Illinois

Public Schools (8)
$42,572
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (5)
$41,689
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Special Education and Teaching graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Special Education and Teaching Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$52,107
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 70.4%
#2
L

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$45,500
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 81.4%
#3
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$44,170
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,023
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 43.7%
#4
U

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL · Private

$43,798
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 63.9%
#5
I

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$43,584
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,480
Graduates: 175
Acceptance: 89.0%
#6
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$43,277
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,969
Graduates: 68
Acceptance: 70.5%
#7
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$41,441
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.4%
#8
W

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$40,500
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,193
Graduates: 32
Acceptance: 75.0%
#9
T

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, IL · Private

$40,458
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,363
Graduates: 30
Acceptance: 88.6%
#10
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$40,402
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,322
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 76.7%
#11
E

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$39,317
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,628
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 67.8%
#12
L

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,568
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 72.7%
#13
S

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$36,176
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,104
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 97.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Special Education and Teaching in Illinois?
Northeastern Illinois University ranks #1 for Special Education and Teaching in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $52,107 within two years of graduation. There are 13 schools offering Special Education and Teaching programs in the state.
How much do Special Education and Teaching graduates earn in Illinois?
Special Education and Teaching graduates in Illinois earn an average of $42,232 within two years of graduation. This is 12% above the national average of $37,724 for this major.
What is the hardest Special Education and Teaching school to get into in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the most selective Special Education and Teaching program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 43.7%. The average acceptance rate across Special Education and Teaching programs in the state is 75.9%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Special Education and Teaching in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Special Education and Teaching programs produce average earnings of $41,689 vs $42,572 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 public and 5 private options in the state.

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.