Special Education and Teaching at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee's special education graduates start at $48,378—outpacing three-quarters of special education programs nationally and landing above the Wisconsin median. That's roughly $4,200 more than the national typical graduate in this field, which translates to meaningful breathing room in those first years of teaching. The debt load of $26,375 sits right at the state average, creating a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio that most education majors would welcome.

The earnings trail UW-Madison by about $1,800, but the gap isn't dramatic given Milwaukee's accessible admission profile and lower barriers to entry. What matters more: these graduates are earning solidly middle-class salaries immediately, and special education teachers typically enjoy strong job security and consistent demand. The combination of above-average starting pay and reasonable debt creates a foundation that works, especially for students who want to stay in Wisconsin's public school system.

The caveat worth noting: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. But the underlying economics make sense—special education certifications lead to reliable employment, and UW-Milwaukee appears to be preparing graduates who compete effectively in the state market without loading them down with outsized debt.