Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

UW-Platteville's teacher education program starts graduates at $46,069—roughly $2,200 above the national median and placing in the 73rd percentile nationally. That's solid positioning for a teaching program. The $27,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary. Among Wisconsin's 28 teacher education programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing nearby UW-Stout by about $1,200 but outperforming several larger campuses.

The small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, so treat them as directional rather than definitive. The 4% earnings dip from year one to year four likely reflects Wisconsin's teacher salary structures rather than a program weakness, though it's worth noting this appears less pronounced at some peer schools. The real concern is whether your child is committed to teaching, since these salaries, while decent for educators, remain modest in absolute terms.

For families comfortable with teaching as a career path and prioritizing affordable debt, this program delivers what it promises: reasonable preparation costs and competitive starting salaries. Just recognize the limited sample means next year's graduates might tell a different story.