At $24,021/yr net price, Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates earn $89,070/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $55,070/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,021 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $89,070/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$55,070/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,869/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,403/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,233/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,123/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,207/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $74,200 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,857 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,316 | $27,000 |
| Architectural Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,420 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,653 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,062 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,030 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
71.5% of students at Milwaukee School of Engineering graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Milwaukee School of Engineering delivers strong financial returns with a median 10-year salary of $89,070 against just $27,000 in typical debt. The school's focus on practical engineering programs aligns well with Wisconsin's manufacturing economy and creates clear pathways to well-paying technical careers.
Business administration graduates earn the highest returns at $94,408 annually, making it the standout program financially. The engineering technology programs perform more modestly, with mechanical engineering technology at $74,200 and computer engineering at $72,857. Electrical and architectural engineering fall below the school median, which may disappoint given MSOE's engineering reputation.
Your biggest risk is the 71% graduation rate. Nearly three in ten students leave without finishing, potentially carrying debt with no degree to show for it. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early in their academic career.
MSOE works best if you want hands-on engineering training in the Midwest and plan to work in manufacturing, construction, or related technical fields. The school's location gives you access to major employers like Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, and other Milwaukee-area manufacturers.
Skip this school if you need significant financial aid. Only 23% of students receive aid, suggesting limited assistance for middle-income families. You should also look elsewhere if you prefer theoretical over applied learning, or if you want to work outside the Midwest where MSOE's alumni network thins out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee School of Engineering worth the cost?
With graduates earning $89,070 ten years out and median debt of $27,000, MSOE provides solid ROI for engineering students. The net price of $24,021 annually is reasonable compared to similar technical schools, though the 71.5% graduation rate means nearly 3 in 10 students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at Milwaukee School of Engineering?
Business Administration leads at $94,408 annually, followed by Mechanical Engineering at $74,200. Computer Engineering ($72,857) and Electrical Engineering ($68,316) also provide strong earning potential, while Architectural Engineering trails at $67,420.
How much debt do Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates have?
MSOE graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given typical starting salaries in engineering fields. This debt load is lower than many private colleges and should be payable within 10-15 years for most engineering graduates.
Does Milwaukee School of Engineering have good job placement rates?
While specific placement data isn't available, the $89,070 average earnings after 10 years suggest strong employment outcomes for MSOE graduates. The focus on practical engineering and business programs aligns well with employer demand in the Midwest manufacturing region.