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Best Online Special Education Programs in North Carolina (2026)
Updated July 30, 2026BLS dataCollege ScorecardOn this page
North Carolina offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body
North Carolina Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required
Institutional + Regional
Earning an online special education degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path into special education careers. North Carolina 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, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
Online Special Education Schools in North Carolina
The following schools offer accredited online special education programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in North Carolina.
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:
BOCSCORE
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.
Special Education professionals in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
Occupation
Median Annual Salary (North Carolina)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School
$58,260
Special Education Teacher, Middle School
$59,360
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School
$56,770
Special Education Teacher, Preschool
$60,180
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in North Carolina?
Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:
In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Carolina 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 North Carolina economy and job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online special education programs in North Carolina 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 North Carolina compare to other states?
North Carolina offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes North Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
What is the primary licensing board for special education in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in North Carolina. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
