Best Special Education and Teaching Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 8 colleges offering Special Education and Teaching programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 128 recent graduates. Graduates in Tennessee earn $35,429 on average within two years — 6% below the national average of $37,724. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: University of Memphis graduates earn $39,125 while The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn $26,353 — a $12,772 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

8
Schools in TN
$35,429
TN Avg. Earnings
$37,724
National Avg.
206
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Special Education and Teaching in Tennessee

Public Schools (6)
$34,546
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$38,077
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,531 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Special Education and Teaching Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

$39,125
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,898
Graduates: 58
Acceptance: 93.4%
#2
L

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

$39,099
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,093
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 72.2%
#3
C

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN · Private

$37,054
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 68.3%
#4
E

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,928
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 87.1%
#5
A

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public

$36,398
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 96.0%
#6
M

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$35,416
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,691
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 68.0%
#7
T

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public

$33,138
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 83.2%
#8
T

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$26,353
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 46.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Special Education and Teaching in Tennessee?
University of Memphis ranks #1 for Special Education and Teaching in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $39,125 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Special Education and Teaching programs in the state.
How much do Special Education and Teaching graduates earn in Tennessee?
Special Education and Teaching graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $35,429 within two years of graduation. This is 6% below the national average of $37,724 for this major.
What is the hardest Special Education and Teaching school to get into in Tennessee?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the most selective Special Education and Teaching program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 46.0%. The average acceptance rate across Special Education and Teaching programs in the state is 76.8%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Special Education and Teaching in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, private Special Education and Teaching programs produce average earnings of $38,077 vs $34,546 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 2 private options in the state.

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.