Best Online Special Education Programs in Massachusetts (2026)

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Massachusetts Special Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Special Education Salary$89,715
Salary OutlookMassachusetts offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMassachusetts Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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


Online Special Education Schools in Massachusetts

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

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.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#2

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
90.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 98%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $101,817
Avg net price $19,066/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Boston University

Boston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
81.6 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 11%
Graduation rate 89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $83,238
Avg net price $24,402/yr
Tuition
In‑state$68,102
Out‑of‑state$68,102
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 95%
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Williams College

Williamstown, MA
  • 4 year
80.0 BOC Score
Graduation rate 96%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $88,665
Avg net price $17,716/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 97%
  • Programs offered: 1

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA
  • 4 year
79.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 96%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $143,372
Avg net price $20,111/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 99%
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering

Needham, MA
  • 4 year
75.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 96%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $129,455
Avg net price $25,171/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Amherst College

Amherst, MA
  • 4 year
73.1 BOC Score
Graduation rate 93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $77,644
Avg net price $23,367/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 97%
  • Programs offered: 1

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Massachusetts

Special Education professionals in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Massachusetts)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School$91,350
Special Education Teacher, Middle School$84,550
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$83,890
Special Education Teacher, Preschool$99,070

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


Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in Massachusetts?

Choosing a program in Massachusetts can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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


Online Special Education Programs by City in Massachusetts

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Attleboro · Beverly · Boston · Brockton · Cambridge · Chelsea · Chicopee · Everett · Fall River · Fitchburg · Gardner · Gloucester · Haverhill · Holyoke · Lawrence · Leominster · Lowell · Lynn · Malden · Marlborough · Medford · Melrose · Methuen · New Bedford · Newton · Northampton · Peabody · Pittsfield · Quincy · Revere · Salem · Somerville · Springfield · Taunton · Waltham · Watertown · Westfield · Woburn · Worcester


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