Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College's education associate program beats 94% of similar programs nationwide—impressive at first glance—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. That caveat matters because the data also shows virtually zero earnings growth between years one and four, with graduates earning just over $30,000 at both checkpoints.

Within Wisconsin, the picture is more modest. At $30,302, MATC ranks solidly in the middle of the state's 22 education associate programs, trailing schools like Rasmussen and Fox Valley by several thousand dollars annually. The debt load of $21,095 is substantial for this income level—you're looking at about 8 months of gross earnings to pay off loans. While that's better than many programs nationally, it's a meaningful burden when you're bringing home around $2,500 monthly before taxes.

For parents whose child is set on early childhood education, this associate degree could make sense as a pathway to entry-level teaching positions. But understand that the earning potential appears to plateau quickly, and Wisconsin's technical college system offers comparable programs with similar debt loads. The 41% Pell Grant rate suggests MATC serves many students who need affordable options, and at this price point, it's a reasonable stepping stone—just not one that promises rapid financial advancement.