Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Waukesha County Technical College

With only a small cohort tracked, interpret these numbers carefully, but they suggest a manageable pathway into education support roles. Waukesha County Technical College graduates start at $26,890—above the national median but slightly below Wisconsin's typical $27,050 for this associate's degree. More importantly, they carry debt of $20,876, which sits at the 15th percentile nationally for this program, meaning 85% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. That 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary, a reasonable threshold for someone entering a modest-paying field.

The challenge is upward trajectory. At $29,413 four years out, these graduates trail peers at Milwaukee Area Technical College (who earn $30,302 right away) and several other Wisconsin programs. The 9% earnings bump over four years is positive but won't dramatically change financial circumstances. This program makes sense if your child is certain about working in educational settings—daycare, after-school programs, paraprofessional roles—and wants minimal debt while exploring the field. However, if they're considering full teaching certification eventually, understand that this is a stepping stone, not a destination degree, and nearby programs might offer stronger starting positions for similar or lower debt.