Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Eau Claire's teacher education program sits in the middle of the pack nationally but trails most Wisconsin competitors. At $43,242 in first-year earnings, graduates earn slightly above the national median but about $600 below the state median—ranking in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin programs. That gap widens when you look at top state programs: UW-Stout and UW-Platteville graduates earn $3,000-$4,000 more right out of the gate, and even UW-La Crosse edges ahead by about $1,000.
The debt picture offers some relief. At $25,225, graduates carry less debt than both state and national medians, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 still means borrowers face roughly seven months of gross income in loans—manageable for teaching but not exceptional. For a profession known for modest starting salaries, keeping debt below $26,000 matters.
The critical caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. If your child is set on teaching in Wisconsin and considering UW-Eau Claire for its campus or location, the program won't burden them with excessive debt. But if maximizing starting salary matters—and in teaching, every dollar counts—the stronger UW System programs at Stout, Platteville, or La Crosse deliver notably better outcomes with similar debt levels.
Where University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $43,242 | — | $25,225 | 0.58 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | $47,230 | $46,689 | $24,500 | 0.52 |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $46,069 | $44,287 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Marquette University | $45,974 | — | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $45,966 | $42,682 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $44,281 | $44,538 | $29,000 | 0.65 |
| National Median | $43,082 | — | $26,221 | 0.61 |
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie | $10,142 | $47,230 | $24,500 |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville | $8,315 | $46,069 | $27,000 |
| Marquette University Milwaukee | $48,700 | $45,974 | $27,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $45,966 | $27,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse | $9,651 | $44,281 | $29,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.