Best colleges for Special Education and Teaching in Kentucky
Ranked by graduate earnings
University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University and Eastern Kentucky University are the top bachelor's Special Education and Teaching programs in Kentucky by graduate earnings. University of Kentucky leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,217, College Scorecard. University of the Cumberlands, Western Kentucky University and Georgetown College award the most Special Education and Teaching degrees in Kentucky: 309, 95 and 89 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 15 Kentucky colleges offer Special Education and Teaching and award 717 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Special Education and Teaching program prepares students to work with individuals who have a range of disabilities and special needs. This program is ideal for those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students…
Top 6 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Kentucky Lexington Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,217 | 59 | 71% | — | $26,500 |
| 2 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,807 | 95 | 56% | — | $27,000 |
| 3 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,485 | 32 | 50% | — | $28,381 |
| 4 | Morehead State University Morehead Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,999 | 22 | 52% | — | $26,878 |
| 5 | Murray State University Murray Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,197 | 32 | 61% | — | $20,775 |
| 6 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $40,333 | 2 | 52% | — | $30,750 |
Colleges awarding the most Special Education and Teaching degrees in Kentucky
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg Private not-for-profit | 309 | Not reported |
| 2 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green Public | 95 | $38,807 |
| 3 | Georgetown College Georgetown Private not-for-profit | 89 | Not reported |
| 4 | University of Kentucky Lexington Public | 59 | $41,217 |
| 5 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond Public | 32 | $38,485 |
| 6 | University of Louisville Louisville Public | 32 | Not reported |
| 7 | Murray State University Murray Public | 32 | $36,197 |
| 8 | Campbellsville University Campbellsville Private not-for-profit | 30 | Not reported |
| 9 | Morehead State University Morehead Public | 22 | $36,999 |
| 10 | Spalding University Louisville Private not-for-profit | 6 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 5 Kentucky colleges offering Special Education and Teaching
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbury University | Wilmore | Private not-for-profit | 4 |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort | Public | 3 |
| Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights | Public | 2 |
| Brescia University | Owensboro | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
| Union Commonwealth University | Barbourville | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Special Education Teachers, Preschool (SOC 25-2051).
Top skills
What Special Education Teachers, Preschool earn in Kentucky
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Special Education and Teaching programs in Kentucky.
Which Kentucky colleges award the most Special Education and Teaching degrees?+
University of the Cumberlands (309 graduates a year), Western Kentucky University (95 graduates a year) and Georgetown College (89 graduates a year) award the most Special Education and Teaching degrees in Kentucky, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 15 Kentucky colleges offer Special Education and Teaching.
What is the best college for Special Education and Teaching in Kentucky?+
By graduate earnings, University of Kentucky leads among bachelor's Special Education and Teaching programs in Kentucky, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,217, College Scorecard. Western Kentucky University and Eastern Kentucky University follow. By degrees awarded, University of the Cumberlands is the largest, with 309 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Special Education and Teaching program in Kentucky has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Kentucky tops the list at $41,217. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Special Education Teachers, Preschool earn in Kentucky?+
The average annual wage for Special Education Teachers, Preschool in Kentucky is $51,050 (median $54,220). Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Special Education and Teaching program?+
The Special Education and Teaching program prepares students to work with individuals who have a range of disabilities and special needs. This program is ideal for those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop speaking, active listening, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Special Education Teachers, Preschool?+
The national job outlook is about +1.4% growth with around 2,100 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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