Special Education and Teaching at University of Wisconsin-Stout

The small sample size here is important context, but the available data shows UW-Stout's special education program trailing other Wisconsin options by a meaningful margin. At $45,196, graduates earn about $1,800 less than the state median and fall in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin programs—meaning six of every ten special education programs in the state produce higher earnings. For perspective, that's roughly $5,000 below UW-Madison and $3,200 below UW-Milwaukee, schools that may not be dramatically more selective.

The financial picture has a silver lining: at $30,000 in debt, this program still maintains a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, and the debt load ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of special education programs leave students with higher debt. Special education teaching positions offer stability and pension benefits that raw salary figures don't capture, which matters for long-term financial security even if starting pay is modest.

Given the small cohort size, a single year's data might not reflect typical outcomes. Still, with 14 other programs in Wisconsin and several showing stronger earnings at comparable or lower debt levels, families should investigate whether UW-Stout offers specific program features—teaching placements, licensure support, or geographic advantages—that justify choosing it over higher-earning alternatives within the state system.