Location: Menomonie, WI•In-State Tuition: $10,142•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,706•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1150
Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,196
56th percentile
40th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$30,000
12% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.66 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

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.

Where University of Wisconsin-Stout Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-StoutOther special education and teaching programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Stout earns $45k — 56th percentile among special education and teaching bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie$10,142$45,196—$30,0000.66
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$50,174$47,683$22,8630.46
Carthage CollegeKenosha$36,500$48,593$43,911$25,9540.53
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$48,378—$26,3750.55
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater$8,250$47,592$47,106$27,0000.57
Concordia University-WisconsinMequon$34,250$47,295———
National Median—$44,139—$26,7170.61

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, All Other

All special education teachers not listed separately.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.

$64,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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-Stout, approximately 23% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.