Cheapest Special Education and Teaching Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin public universities dominate affordable Special Education and Teaching programs, with University of Wisconsin-Parkside offering the lowest net cost at $10,044 annually. The state's 15 programs show a dramatic price split between public institutions averaging under $17,000 and private colleges reaching $26,067. This affordability matters in Wisconsin's education-dependent economy, where school districts across the state face teacher shortages and special education professionals earn between $36,992 and $43,128 after graduation. UW-Madison stands out with an 89.30% graduation rate despite accepting fewer than half of applicants, while UW-Stevens Point combines reasonable costs with strong job preparation. Wisconsin's manufacturing heritage has evolved into a knowledge economy requiring skilled educators, making these affordable programs essential for meeting regional workforce demands in both urban Milwaukee and rural districts statewide.

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	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
3	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
4	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
5	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
6	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
7	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
8	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365	$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
9	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
10	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
11	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
12	Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin	$24,659	$20,280	65.7%	75.1%
13	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
14	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
15	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside the most affordable option for Special Education?

UW-Parkside offers the lowest net cost at $10,044 per year with in-state tuition of just $7,855. The school maintains a 72.83% acceptance rate and achieves a 39.80% graduation rate. While earnings data isn't available for this campus, the extremely low cost makes it attractive for students prioritizing minimal debt over other factors.

How do Wisconsin's public universities compare to private colleges for Special Education costs?

Public universities average net costs between $10,044 and $17,365, while private institutions range from $21,315 to $26,067. Carroll University tops private earnings at $43,128 but costs $24,362 annually. The public sector offers better value, with UW-Madison combining moderate costs of $16,928 with the highest graduation rate at 89.30%.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Wisconsin Special Education programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. UW-Madison leads at 89.30% graduation with $16,928 net cost, while Edgewood College achieves 67.40% despite costing $25,634. However, Carroll University justifies its $24,362 cost with both a 69.60% graduation rate and the highest graduate earnings at $43,128.

Where do Wisconsin Special Education graduates typically find employment after earning degrees?

Graduates enter Wisconsin's public school districts, which serve over 860,000 students statewide and face ongoing special education teacher shortages. The state's healthcare sector, including major employers like GE Healthcare, also hires special education professionals for therapeutic roles. Starting salaries range from $36,992 to $43,128, with higher earnings typically found in Milwaukee and Madison metropolitan areas where cost of living is elevated.

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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.