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Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Wisconsin

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point delivers the strongest value proposition for special education students at just $13,726 net cost while preparing graduates earning $39,663 annually. The state's public universities dominate affordability with nine programs under $17,500, creating a sharp contrast with private options that average $24,000 but reach as high as $26,067 at Concordia University-Wisconsin. Wisconsin's growing healthcare sector, anchored by employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, creates steady demand for special education professionals across school districts and therapeutic settings. UW-Madison stands apart with an 89.30% graduation rate despite higher costs, while Carroll University graduates command the highest earnings at $43,128. The Wisconsin Grant program helps in-state students access these affordable public options, making specialized teacher preparation accessible across economic backgrounds.
15
Programs
$10,044 – $26,067
Net Price Range
$40,347
Avg. Program Earnings
60.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,726 $39,663 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
2 $14,761 $41,069 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
3 $14,785 $40,117 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
4 $16,928 $42,123 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
5 $16,948 $40,981 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
6 $17,365 $40,896 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
7 $24,362 $43,128 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
8 $24,813 $38,153 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
9 $26,067 $36,992 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
10 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
11 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
12 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
13 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
14 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
15 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $16,000 gap between cheapest and most expensive programs?

UW-Parkside costs just $10,044 while Concordia University-Wisconsin reaches $26,067, reflecting the public-private divide in Wisconsin higher education. Public universities benefit from state funding that keeps costs low for residents, with in-state tuition averaging under $10,500 across the UW system. Private institutions offer smaller class sizes and specialized resources but require significantly higher investment. Most students find strong value in the public options, which maintain solid graduation rates between 52-89%.

How do Wisconsin special education teacher salaries compare to program costs?

Graduates earn between $36,992 and $43,128, with Carroll University leading at the top despite costing $24,362. Most public university graduates earn around $40,000-$42,000, providing strong return on investment given their lower program costs. UW-Madison graduates earn $42,123 while paying only $16,928, creating one of the best cost-to-earnings ratios. Even the lowest-earning programs still provide positive returns within 2-3 years of graduation.

Is UW-Madison worth the premium over other public options?

UW-Madison costs $16,928 compared to $13,726 at UW-Stevens Point but delivers an 89.30% graduation rate versus 56% at the lower-cost option. Madison graduates also earn $42,123 annually, about $2,500 more than Stevens Point alumni. The university's research focus and clinical partnerships provide additional networking and internship opportunities. For students confident in their academic abilities, the premium often pays off through better completion rates and slightly higher earnings.

Where do Wisconsin special education graduates find employment?

Wisconsin's 421 school districts hire the majority of graduates, with additional opportunities in healthcare settings supported by major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare. The state's aging population creates demand in rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities. Rural districts often offer signing bonuses and loan forgiveness programs to attract special education teachers. Urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison provide more specialized positions working with specific disability populations and advanced therapeutic programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.