Best Online Special Education Programs in Iowa (2026)

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Iowa Special Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Special Education Salary$62,088
Salary OutlookIowa offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIowa Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online special education degree in Iowa offers a flexible path into special education careers. Iowa offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Iowa students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Special Education Schools in Iowa

The following schools offer accredited online special education programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Iowa.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Allen College

Waterloo, IA BOC Score 93.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 94%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $71,261
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Iowa State University

Ames, IA BOC Score 76.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 74%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,386
Avg net price $18,589/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

St Luke's College

Sioux City, IA BOC Score 75.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 80%
Graduation rate 70%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $61,033
Avg net price $19,820/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$24,175
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$24,175
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA BOC Score 72.6
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 88%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $62,830
Avg net price $17,648/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 93%
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Palmer College of Chiropractic

Davenport, IA BOC Score 58.7
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,483
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Luther College

Decorah, IA BOC Score 56.2
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 72%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,850
Avg net price $23,097/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 78%
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA BOC Score 52.8
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 65%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $57,125
Avg net price $18,745/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Central College

Pella, IA BOC Score 49.0
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $54,317
Avg net price $23,377/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 76%
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Special Education professionals in Iowa experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Iowa.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Iowa)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School$60,440
Special Education Teacher, Middle School$63,590
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$60,780
Special Education Teacher, Preschool$63,540

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in Iowa?

Choosing a program in Iowa can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Iowa offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Iowa economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online special education programs in Iowa accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Special Education pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Iowa a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for special education in Iowa?

The Iowa Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Iowa. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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