Special Education and Teaching at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,592/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (34,900 openings/yr)
ROI 15.5x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 of 170 Special Education and Teaching programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Special Education and Teaching graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $514K $512K $489K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.6x 15.5x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.1x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 81% 73% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,000
Out-of-state: $71,664 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,140
-79% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,281
8% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,592 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater come in 8% above the national median of $44,105 for Special Education and Teaching programs.

With a 15.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Special Education and Teaching career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $47,592/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ranks #24 among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $47,592 to $51,281 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 9,180 students in Whitewater, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater →

Top Career Paths

Education teachers, postsecondary $72,090/yr
Special education teachers, secondary school $69,590/yr
Special education teachers, all other $67,430/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Special Education and Teaching at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Special Education and Teaching at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
At 54/100, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's Special Education and Teaching program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Special Education and Teaching at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater one of the best schools for Special Education and Teaching?
Among 170 Special Education and Teaching programs, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's #24 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →