About University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee draws 16,762 students to Wisconsin's largest city for its standout programs in architecture, engineering, and public health. This public research university has produced notable graduates including former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir and the filmmaking trio behind "Airplane!" - David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, and Jim Abrahams. The campus thrives in Milwaukee's urban environment, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities that smaller college towns can't match.
Students pay an average net price of $16,177 after financial aid, making UWM relatively affordable for a research university. Graduates earn a median of $54,990 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $23,000 with monthly payments of $244. The 96.2% employment rate suggests strong job prospects, though the modest institutional grant average of $5,366 means many students rely on federal loans to cover costs.
The student body is 87.6% in-state, creating a strong Wisconsin identity on campus. The Panthers compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 11 sports, though with only 322 total athletes, this isn't a sports-dominated campus. The 72% retention rate reflects the reality that urban public universities face more student challenges than residential colleges, but those who stay find solid career preparation.
Students pay an average net price of $16,177 after financial aid, making UWM relatively affordable for a research university. Graduates earn a median of $54,990 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $23,000 with monthly payments of $244. The 96.2% employment rate suggests strong job prospects, though the modest institutional grant average of $5,366 means many students rely on federal loans to cover costs.
The student body is 87.6% in-state, creating a strong Wisconsin identity on campus. The Panthers compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 11 sports, though with only 322 total athletes, this isn't a sports-dominated campus. The 72% retention rate reflects the reality that urban public universities face more student challenges than residential colleges, but those who stay find solid career preparation.
Academics & Faculty
UW-Milwaukee operates as a public research university with particularly strong programs in architecture, engineering, and public health. The school's research focus means undergraduates can participate in faculty projects and access advanced facilities. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors, though class sizes vary by program. The 51% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and school in an urban setting. Architecture students benefit from the school's well-regarded design programs, while engineering majors tap into Milwaukee's manufacturing heritage. The university's research activity creates opportunities for hands-on learning, especially in health sciences and technical fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.2%
- Retention Rate
- 72.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,990
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $84,653 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $78,343 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,727 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,482 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $67,995 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,812 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,247 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,267 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,196 |
Campus Life
UWM sits right in the heart of Milwaukee, America's 31st largest city, giving students immediate access to internships at major corporations like Harley-Davidson and Northwestern Mutual. The campus houses just 24% of its 16,762 students, making it a true commuter school where most Panthers drive to classes from apartments and family homes across the metro area. Milwaukee's brutal winters require serious winter gear, with lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan creating a real "frozen tundra" experience that lasts from November through March.
The Panthers compete in 11 Division I sports as part of the Horizon League, though athletics take a backseat to academics at this research-focused institution. With 87.6% of students coming from Wisconsin, weekends often mean heading home or exploring Milwaukee's famous brewery scene and lakefront festivals. The diverse student body reflects Milwaukee's demographics, with 40% of students identifying as non-white. Campus life revolves around the student union and library, while the nearby Third Ward offers trendy restaurants and nightlife just minutes from campus.
The Panthers compete in 11 Division I sports as part of the Horizon League, though athletics take a backseat to academics at this research-focused institution. With 87.6% of students coming from Wisconsin, weekends often mean heading home or exploring Milwaukee's famous brewery scene and lakefront festivals. The diverse student body reflects Milwaukee's demographics, with 40% of students identifying as non-white. Campus life revolves around the student union and library, while the nearby Third Ward offers trendy restaurants and nightlife just minutes from campus.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,090 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
133 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 1 | 6 | 23 |
| Rape | 12 | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| Burglary | 12 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 4 | 8 |
| Fondling | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–30°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 52.3"
Student Demographics
UWM draws primarily from Wisconsin, with 88% of students staying close to home for their education. The student body reflects Milwaukee's diverse urban landscape, bringing together working-class families and first-generation college students. About 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making education accessible. Women slightly outnumber men at 55%, partly reflecting strong nursing and education programs alongside technical fields. The mix of urban professionals returning to school and traditional college-age students creates a practical, career-focused atmosphere that matches Milwaukee's blue-collar work ethic.
- Men
- 45.3%
- Women
- 54.7%
- White
- 60.4%
- Black
- 8.1%
- Hispanic
- 15.3%
- Asian
- 7.2%
- In-State Students
- 87.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.2%
Location
UW-Milwaukee sits in Wisconsin's largest city, home to 590,000 residents in the metro area. The campus spreads across Milwaukee's east side, just 90 miles north of Chicago and 350 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Students live in a major Great Lakes port city known for its brewing heritage and strong manufacturing base. The university occupies an urban setting with Lake Michigan shoreline access and proximity to downtown's business district. Milwaukee offers internship opportunities in healthcare, finance, and engineering that many smaller college towns cannot match. The city's affordable cost of living helps stretch student budgets further than coastal alternatives. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare UW-Milwaukee with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,990
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,910
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
UW-Milwaukee accepts 86.32% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. This accessible admissions standard reflects the university's mission as a public research institution serving the Milwaukee community and beyond.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,177, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,860. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, making this a relatively affordable option for Wisconsin residents.
What are the strongest academic programs at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
UW-Milwaukee is particularly known for its architecture, engineering, and public health programs. The university maintains significant research activity with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 across its diverse academic offerings.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
The six-year graduation rate is 51.20%, with graduates earning a median salary of $54,990 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.2%, reflecting strong connections to Milwaukee's job market.
Where do University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students live and what is campus life like?
The campus houses 4,090 students with room and board costing $10,980 annually. Located in Milwaukee, students have access to a major urban center while being part of a 16,762-student community with 11 Division I varsity sports teams.
Does University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have any famous alumni?
Notable graduates include former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir and the comedy filmmaking trio behind Airplane. The university has produced leaders in politics, entertainment, and other fields throughout its history as Milwaukee's major public research institution.
