Early Childhood Education Degree in Madison, WI — Salary & ROI 2026
Early Childhood Education degree analysis for Madison, WI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$45K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$40K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.8 yrs
in Madison
Cost of Living
89
index (100 = avg)
Early Childhood Education in Madison, WI Overview
Madison, Wisconsin (pop. 269,840) has 11 colleges offering Early Childhood Education programs. The local cost of living index of 89 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $902/month. Early Childhood Education enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Child Development and Play-Based Learning. The adjusted starting salary in Madison is approximately $44,500.
Category
Education
Local Colleges
11
Public Tuition
$10,725/yr
Private Tuition
$33,350/yr
Room & Board
$11,942/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$15,815/yr
Unemployment
5.7%
Graduation Rate
73%
Early Childhood Education Salary in Madison (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Madison's cost of living index of 89 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Early Childhood Education salary: $50,000 starting, $45,000 mid-career, $52,000 senior level.Madison adjustment factor: 0.89x based on the local cost of living index.
Early Childhood Education ROI Calculator for Madison
Estimate your return on investment for a Early Childhood Education degree using local Madison tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $10,725 | Private avg: $33,350
Madison avg aid: $15,815/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$90,668
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$13,350
vs HS diploma in Madison
ROI Payback Period
6.8 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Madison
$69,532
Lifetime earnings premium ($160,200) minus total education cost ($90,668)
Student Loan Payoff for Early Childhood Education in Madison
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Madison for Early Childhood Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison
public
$10,725/yr
$42,900 total
Edgewood College
private
$33,350/yr
$133,400 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Madison Area Technical College
$4,632/yr
Top Employers for Early Childhood Education in Madison
Madison offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Early Childhood Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Madison Hiring Sectors for Education
School districts
Universities
EdTech companies
Non-profits
Training organizations
Common Early Childhood Education Job Titles
Early Childhood Education in Nearby Wisconsin Cities
Milwaukee, WI
$47K starting · COL 94
33 colleges
Green Bay, WI
$43K starting · COL 86
6 colleges
Kenosha, WI
$53K starting · COL 106
8 colleges
Racine, WI
$43K starting · COL 85.8
4 colleges
Appleton, WI
$40K starting · COL 79
6 colleges
Waukesha, WI
$45K starting · COL 90.5
3 colleges
Eau Claire, WI
$43K starting · COL 86
2 colleges
Oshkosh, WI
$54K starting · COL 107
3 colleges
Other Education Majors in Madison
Instructional Design & Technology
$45K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Educational Psychology
$45K starting · 5 yr ROI
Higher Education Administration
$45K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Elementary Education
$45K starting · 5 yr ROI
Special Education
$45K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Music Education
$45K starting · 6 yr ROI
Physical Education
$45K starting · 5 yr ROI
Education
$0 starting · 0 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Early Childhood Education degree outcomes in Madison, WI: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Early Childhood Education programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Wisconsin.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Madison using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Early Childhood Education graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Early Childhood Education career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Early Childhood Education grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Madison Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Wisconsin students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Wisconsin programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "wisconsin higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Early Childhood Education Degree in Madison — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Early Childhood Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Madison.