At $16,177/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates earn $54,990/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,990/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,177 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,708 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,990/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,990/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,860/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,001/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,762/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,773/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,112/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. | Doctoral | $84,653 | $49,804 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,727 | $66,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,482 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $67,995 | $49,135 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,812 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,247 | $24,609 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,267 | $28,500 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,196 | $18,544 |
The Risk Factor
51.2% of students at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 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-Milwaukee offers solid financial value for health and engineering students but presents significant risks for liberal arts majors. The $16,177 annual net price is reasonable for a public university, though the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degree.
Nursing stands out as the strongest financial bet, with graduates earning $84,653 annually despite carrying $49,804 in debt. Engineering and computer engineering also deliver strong returns around $75,000-$78,000. These programs justify the investment given Milwaukee's healthcare systems and manufacturing base.
The school becomes financially problematic for students in lower-paying majors. With median earnings of $54,990 across all graduates, many programs likely fall well below this figure, making the debt burden harder to manage. The relatively high dropout rate compounds this risk since you could end up with debt but no degree.
You should consider UW-Milwaukee if you're pursuing nursing, engineering, or rehabilitation therapy and can handle the academic demands. The 72% retention rate suggests many students struggle with coursework or finances. Skip this school if you're interested in liberal arts, social sciences, or other majors not listed among the top earners.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, so most families pay close to full price. Focus on completing your degree quickly since the low graduation rate indicates many students drag out their studies, increasing total costs. Milwaukee's job market supports the school's strongest programs but offers limited opportunities for other majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee worth the cost?
UW-Milwaukee offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $16,177 and median debt of $23,000, but the 10-year earnings of $54,990 are below average for college graduates. The school's worth depends heavily on your program choice, as nursing and engineering graduates earn significantly more than the overall average.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
Nursing programs lead with $84,653 in median earnings, followed by engineering at $78,343 and educational administration at $74,576. These programs offer strong ROI compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $54,990.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates have?
UW-Milwaukee graduates have a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with only a 51% graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary significantly by program at UW-Milwaukee. While nursing and engineering graduates see strong earnings above $70,000, the overall graduate earnings of $54,990 are modest for a four-year degree.