Best Online Special Education Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

Home > Programs > Special Education > States > Pennsylvania


Pennsylvania Special Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Special Education Salary$77,558
Salary OutlookPennsylvania offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyPennsylvania Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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


Online Special Education Schools in Pennsylvania

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

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.

Sort:
#2

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
83.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 97%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $111,371
Avg net price $28,699/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
80.5 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 12%
Graduation rate 93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $114,862
Avg net price $31,944/yr
Tuition
In‑state$66,246
Out‑of‑state$66,246
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Curtis Institute of Music

Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
79.0 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 5%
Graduation rate 96%
Tuition$0
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA
  • 4 year
73.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $80,257
Avg net price $23,149/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 96%
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Lafayette College

Easton, PA
  • 4 year
67.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $91,410
Avg net price $34,433/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 91%
  • Programs offered: 1

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
67.6 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 29%
Graduation rate 86%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $93,807
Avg net price $40,766/yr
Tuition
In‑state$67,812
Out‑of‑state$67,812
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 95%
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Pennsylvania

Special Education professionals in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Pennsylvania)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School$72,680
Special Education Teacher, Middle School$77,040
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$77,000
Special Education Teacher, Preschool$83,510

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


Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a program in Pennsylvania can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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


Online Special Education Programs by City in Pennsylvania

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

Allentown · Altoona · Bethel Park · Bethlehem · Bloomsburg · Butler · Chambersburg · Chester · East Stroudsburg · Easton · Erie · Hanover · Harrisburg · Hazleton · Indiana · Johnstown · Lancaster · Lebanon · Lewistown · Meadville · Milton · Monessen · Monroeville · Mount Pocono · Murrysville · New Castle · Norristown · Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · Plum · Pottstown · Pottsville · Reading · Scranton · Shamokin · State College · Sunbury · Uniontown · Waynesboro · Wilkes-Barre · Williamsport · York


Browse Other States