At $12,878/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay graduates earn $52,528/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,528/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,878 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,512 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,528/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,528/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,742/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,220/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,231/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,838/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,830/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,287 | $15,221 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $19,200 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,497 | $23,288 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,823 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $44,933 | $20,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,479 | $17,857 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $42,123 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $37,808 | $19,168 |
The Risk Factor
53.1% of students at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers solid financial value with a low net price that keeps debt manageable, but your choice of major will determine whether you see strong returns on your investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, delivering $66,287 in median earnings with just $15,221 in debt. Computer Science also provides strong returns at $61,516 annually. These programs justify the investment and position you well in Wisconsin's healthcare and tech sectors.
Accounting graduates earn a respectable $53,497, though they carry higher debt loads at $23,288. Education majors face a tougher financial picture with earnings below $49,000, reflecting the reality of teacher pay in the region. Social Work presents the weakest financial case with $44,933 earnings against $20,500 in debt.
The school's 53% graduation rate creates significant risk. Nearly half of students who start here don't finish, which means no degree and potential debt without the earning power to justify it. The 70% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many to transfer or drop out after freshman year.
You should consider UW-Green Bay if you're pursuing nursing or computer science and want to minimize debt. The low sticker price makes it accessible for Wisconsin residents seeking practical career training. However, if you're undecided on major or interested in lower-paying fields, the graduation rate concerns should give you pause.
With only 23% of students receiving aid, most families pay the full net price. This suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities, so your financial planning should assume you'll cover most costs through family resources or federal loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Green Bay worth the cost?
UW-Green Bay offers decent value with a low net price of $12,878 and manageable debt levels around $18,500. However, the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave without a degree.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay?
Nursing programs lead with average earnings of $66,287, followed by Computer Science at $61,516. Education and Social Work graduates earn significantly less at $48,823 and $44,933 respectively, which may not justify the investment depending on your debt load.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Green Bay graduates have?
The median debt is $18,500, which is reasonable compared to national averages. With 10-year earnings of $52,528, most graduates can manage this debt load, though those in lower-paying fields like Social Work may struggle more.
Does University of Wisconsin-Green Bay have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary widely by program, with nursing and computer science graduates seeing strong demand and higher salaries. The school's 89% acceptance rate and 53% graduation rate suggest it's not particularly selective, which can impact employer perception and networking opportunities.