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Cheapest Education Colleges in Wisconsin

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Wisconsin education programs show a dramatic cost divide between public and private options, with University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offering the lowest net price at $12,878 compared to private colleges reaching $26,067. The state's 16 education programs serve future teachers in a market where Wisconsin's K-12 system employs over 60,000 educators. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with UW-Platteville graduates earning the highest median income at $41,007 annually. The University of Wisconsin system's strong teacher preparation programs align with the state's ongoing need for qualified educators, particularly in rural districts where teaching shortages persist. Saint Norbert College leads in graduation rates at 73.6%, though at nearly double the cost of public alternatives. Wisconsin's education graduates enter a job market supported by state initiatives to recruit and retain teachers through loan forgiveness programs.
16
Programs
$12,878 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$36,276
Avg. Program Earnings
60.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Education, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
2 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
3 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
4 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
5 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
6 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
7 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
8 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
9 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
10 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
11 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
12 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
13 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
14 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
15 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
16 $29,237 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Platteville stand out among affordable education programs?

UW-Platteville graduates earn the highest median salary at $41,007, significantly above other programs in the state. The university maintains a strong 61.5% graduation rate while keeping net costs at just $14,754. Its teacher preparation programs have built solid connections with rural Wisconsin school districts that actively recruit graduates.

How do private college costs compare to public universities for education majors?

Private colleges cost significantly more, with net prices ranging from $16,722 at Alverno College to $26,067 at Concordia University-Wisconsin. Public universities average around $14,500 in net costs compared to over $22,000 at private institutions. However, private colleges like Saint Norbert achieve higher graduation rates, with 73.6% compared to public averages in the low 60s.

Is University of Wisconsin-Green Bay worth considering despite lower earnings data?

UW-Green Bay offers the lowest net cost at $12,878 with reasonable earnings of $37,280 for graduates. The university maintains an 89.62% acceptance rate and produces teachers who often work in northeastern Wisconsin's growing communities. Its affordability makes it attractive for students wanting to minimize debt while entering the teaching profession.

Does Wisconsin offer good job prospects for education graduates?

Wisconsin faces teacher shortages in many districts, creating solid job opportunities for new graduates. The state employs over 60,000 K-12 teachers with competitive starting salaries and benefits packages. Rural areas particularly seek new teachers, and Wisconsin offers loan forgiveness programs for educators who commit to high-need districts for several years.

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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.