Best Online Special Education Programs in Michigan (2026)

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Michigan Special Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Special Education Salary$76,138
Salary OutlookMichigan offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMichigan Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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


Online Special Education Schools in Michigan

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

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI BOC Score 93.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 94%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $83,648
Avg net price $13,138/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%
  • Programs offered: 51

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI BOC Score 83.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $78,198
Avg net price $14,182/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 30

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Walsh College

Troy, MI BOC Score 80.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $72,081
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Hillsdale College

Hillsdale, MI BOC Score 76.7
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 86%
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 96%
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo, MI BOC Score 67.8
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 78%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $65,590
Avg net price $19,072/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 84%
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Hope College

Holland, MI BOC Score 59.9
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 80%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $58,427
Avg net price $27,182/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 89%
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Alpena Community College

Alpena, MI BOC Score 59.9
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 51%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $36,442
Avg net price $3,320/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$5,250
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$8,010
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 53

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Chamberlain University-Michigan

Troy, MI BOC Score 54.6
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 76%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $92,405
Avg net price $28,045/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 57%

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Michigan

Special Education professionals in Michigan 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 Michigan.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Michigan)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School$74,600
Special Education Teacher, Middle School$76,040
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$78,050
Special Education Teacher, Preschool$75,860

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


Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in Michigan?

Choosing a program in Michigan can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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


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