Best Online Special Education Programs in Kentucky (2026)

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Kentucky Special Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Special Education Salary$58,802
Salary OutlookKentucky offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyKentucky Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online special education degree in Kentucky offers a flexible path into special education careers. Kentucky 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, Kentucky students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Special Education Schools in Kentucky

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

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

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY BOC Score 70.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,025
Avg net price $18,851/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$13,502
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$34,140
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 87%
  • Programs offered: 76

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville

Louisville, KY BOC Score 68.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $61,480
Avg net price $18,540/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 74%
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY BOC Score 63.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 65%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $62,069
Avg net price $21,499/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 27

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Centre College

Danville, KY BOC Score 69.3
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 84%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $66,240
Avg net price $20,781/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Transylvania University

Lexington, KY BOC Score 56.0
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $54,705
Avg net price $21,913/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Berea College

Berea, KY BOC Score 55.0
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 65%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,150
Avg net price $6,106/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 83%
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Alice Lloyd College

Pippa Passes, KY BOC Score 21.7
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 40%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $40,573
Avg net price $18,600/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 57%
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Kentucky

Special Education professionals in Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Kentucky)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School$60,060
Special Education Teacher, Middle School$60,200
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$60,730
Special Education Teacher, Preschool$54,220

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


Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in Kentucky?

Choosing a program in Kentucky can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Kentucky 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 Kentucky economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online special education programs in Kentucky 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 Kentucky compare to other states?

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

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

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


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