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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Lutheran College stands out among Wisconsin's teacher education programs with the highest graduate earnings at $41,937, though students pay $21,315 annually after aid. This earnings premium reflects the state's competitive education job market, where districts compete for qualified teachers amid Wisconsin's teacher shortage affecting over 400 school districts statewide. Public universities dominate the value equation, with UW-Superior offering the lowest net price at $13,405 despite a concerning 44.10% graduation rate. The University of Wisconsin system's teacher preparation programs benefit from strong ties to Wisconsin's K-12 system, which employs over 60,000 teachers across urban districts like Milwaukee Public Schools and rural communities. UW-Madison commands the highest graduation rate at 89.30% but charges $16,928 after aid. Private institutions like Carroll University and Marian University push costs above $23,000 annually, creating a significant price gap with public alternatives. Wisconsin's teaching programs prepare graduates for a state education system serving 850,000 students, with particular demand in STEM subjects and special education.
27
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$37,988
Avg. Program Earnings
59.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,726 $38,363 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
2 $14,761 $39,969 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
3 $14,754 $37,856 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
4 $15,374 $39,432 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
5 $14,785 $37,720 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
6 $13,405 $33,755 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
7 $14,714 $36,124 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
8 $16,928 $38,649 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
9 $16,948 $37,883 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
10 $16,722 $33,993 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
11 $21,315 $41,937 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
12 $17,365 $31,042 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
13 $23,341 $40,461 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
14 $24,362 $41,441 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
15 $22,092 $36,490 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
16 $22,633 $36,848 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
17 $25,634 $40,635 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
18 $24,813 $38,072 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
19 $26,067 $39,639 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
20 $25,674 $37,424 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
21 $29,237 $40,017 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
22 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
23 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
24 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
25 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
26 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
27 $10,498 $6,200 27.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $8,532 earnings gap between Wisconsin Lutheran College and UW-Stout graduates?

Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn $41,937 compared to UW-Stout's $31,042, the largest spread in the state. This difference reflects varying program specializations and career paths, with Wisconsin Lutheran emphasizing elementary education while UW-Stout focuses more on technical education teaching. The private college's smaller cohorts and specialized training often lead to positions in higher-paying suburban districts. However, UW-Stout graduates typically enter the workforce with $2,740 less debt.

How do Wisconsin's public university teacher education costs compare statewide?

Public university net prices range from $13,405 at UW-Superior to $17,365 at UW-Stout, creating a $3,960 spread. Most UW system schools cluster between $14,714 and $16,948 annually after aid. UW-Madison charges the most at $16,928 but delivers the highest graduation rate at 89.30%. In-state tuition ranges from $8,212 at UW-Oshkosh to $11,205 at UW-Madison.

Is the 44.10% graduation rate at UW-Superior a concern for teacher education students?

UW-Superior's graduation rate trails significantly behind other Wisconsin programs, with UW-Madison at 89.30% and UW-La Crosse at 71.20%. This low completion rate occurs despite offering the state's most affordable net price at $13,405. Students face higher debt loads averaging $27,786, which may contribute to financial pressures affecting persistence. The 95.60% acceptance rate suggests less selective admissions, potentially impacting student preparedness.

Does attending private colleges for teacher education in Wisconsin justify the higher costs?

Private colleges charge $21,315 to $24,362 after aid compared to public universities averaging $15,200. Wisconsin Lutheran College justifies its $21,315 cost with the state's highest graduate earnings at $41,937. Carroll University graduates earn $41,441 while paying $24,362 annually. However, Alverno College presents a less favorable value proposition with graduates earning just $33,993 despite paying $16,722 after aid.

Where do Wisconsin teacher education graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Wisconsin's 424 school districts create varied opportunities, from Milwaukee Public Schools serving 75,000 students to rural districts with fewer than 500 students. Suburban districts around Madison and Milwaukee typically offer higher starting salaries, explaining why UW-Madison and UW-Whitewater graduates often secure competitive positions. The state faces teacher shortages in mathematics, science, and special education, creating strong demand across all regions. Charter schools and private institutions also provide alternative career paths for education graduates.

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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.