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 gives you a moderate return with real downside risk. Median earnings of $54,990 sit above the $23,000 median debt, so a typical graduate clears their loans without drowning. But the 51% graduation rate is the problem. Nearly half of you won't finish, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math collapses fast.
Your major decides everything here. Engineering is where the money is. Computer Engineering graduates out-earn the school median by roughly $17,000, and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering land in the mid-$60,000s. Nursing pays over $60,000 with lower debt than the engineering tracks, making it one of the safest bets on campus given Milwaukee's healthcare hiring. These five programs anchor the school's value. nothing outside engineering or nursing is listed as a strong earner, so pick accordingly.
The regional job market backs the engineering and nursing outcomes. Milwaukee's manufacturing base supports Mechanical and Industrial Engineering roles, and Industrial Engineering carries the lowest debt of the top five at $18,544. If you enroll undecided in a general major, you're betting on the median, not the top-line numbers.
The bigger financial risk is retention. A 72% retention rate means more than a quarter of you leave after year one. Combine that with the coin-flip graduation rate and the danger isn't overpaying for a degree, it's paying for credits you never turn into one.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $10,860 a year, half of what families over $110,000 pay. If you land in engineering or nursing, finish on time, and come from a lower-income household, this school pays off. If you're paying the top tier for an undecided path, look harder before committing.
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.