Reference guide
U.S. IEP and Special Education Statistics: 2026
Current national figures on IDEA services, learning environments, disability categories, and high-school exits. Each statistic links to the federal report behind it.
Last updated September 21, 2026
At a glance
These figures describe students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, often called IDEA. They are useful for parents, educators, writers, and organizations looking for a clear national snapshot without pulling numbers from several reports.
7.3 million
school-age students received IDEA services
In fall 2023, 7,304,525 students ages 5 through 21 were served under IDEA Part B.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023 data67.8%
spent most of the day in regular classes
In fall 2023, 67.8% of students served under IDEA Part B were inside regular classes for 80% or more of the school day.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023 data95.3%
attended regular schools
In 2023, regular schools served 95.3% of school-age students receiving IDEA Part B services.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023 data33.5%
had a specific learning disability
Specific learning disability was the largest IDEA disability category for school-age students in 2023.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023 data13.7%
were identified with autism
Autism was the third-largest IDEA disability category for school-age students in 2023.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023 data75.8%
exited high school with a regular diploma
Of students ages 14 through 21 who exited IDEA Part B in 2022-23, 75.8% graduated with a regular high school diploma.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2022-23 school year13.9%
exited high school by dropping out
Of students ages 14 through 21 who exited IDEA Part B in 2022-23, 13.9% dropped out.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2022-23 school yearWhat these numbers include
This page reports federal IDEA data. It should not be treated as a count of students with Section 504 plans, which have their own eligibility rules and can support a student who does not require special education under IDEA.
Read the U.S. Department of Education’s Section 504 guidanceCommon questions about these statistics
How many students receive special education services under IDEA?
In fall 2023, 7,304,525 school-age students ages 5 through 21 received services under IDEA Part B. This is the federal program that supports eligible students with disabilities.
Do these special education statistics include students with 504 plans?
No. These figures report IDEA Part B data only. Section 504 is a separate civil-rights law with different eligibility rules, so students with 504 plans are not counted here unless they also receive IDEA services.
What is the source for these IEP and special education statistics?
All seven figures come from the U.S. Department of Education's 47th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, published in June 2026. The report uses the most recent complete federal data available for each measure.
Source and method
All seven statistics above come from the U.S. Department of Education’s 47th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2025 , published June 2026. The report uses the most recent complete federal data available for each measure, including fall 2023 and the 2022-23 school year.
Figures are presented as reported. Percentages are not re-estimated, and the page will be refreshed when a newer federal annual report changes the underlying data.
Cite this page
Use this citation when referring readers to this national summary:
Wales Education Consulting. “U.S. IEP and Special Education Statistics: 2026.” Updated September 21, 2026. https://walesedconsulting.com/special-education-statistics.
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