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Best Online Special Education Programs in Tennessee (2026)
Updated July 30, 2026BLS dataCollege ScorecardOn this page
Tennessee offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body
Tennessee Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required
Institutional + Regional
Earning an online special education degree in Tennessee offers a flexible path into special education careers. Tennessee 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, Tennessee students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
Online Special Education Schools in Tennessee
The following schools offer accredited online special education programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Tennessee.
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.
Source:Accreditor: Association for Biblical Higher Education 路 IPEDS 路 College Scorecard
Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee
Special Education professionals in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.
Occupation
Median Annual Salary (Tennessee)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School
$62,560
Special Education Teacher, Middle School
$60,000
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School
$61,360
Special Education Teacher, Preschool
$59,550
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in Tennessee?
Choosing a program in Tennessee can provide several advantages:
In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Tennessee 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 Tennessee economy and job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online special education programs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee compare to other states?
Tennessee offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Tennessee a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
What is the primary licensing board for special education in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Tennessee. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
