At $14,761/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduates earn $55,548/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,548/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,761 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,548/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,548/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,232/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,209/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,961/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,218/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,553/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,292 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $75,518 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,556 | $23,118 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $55,061 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,904 | $18,645 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $54,531 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,984 | $22,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $24,114 |
| Social Work. | Master | $50,105 | $19,712 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,158 | $22,250 |
The Risk Factor
57.9% of students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 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
UW-Oshkosh delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation by major. The business programs generate strong ROI, with business administration graduates earning $80,292 annually against $41,000 in debt. This creates a favorable debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment. Nursing similarly pays off well, with graduates earning $75,518 in the higher-paying track and $59,556 in the standard program.
The school poses financial risks through its below-average graduation rate of 58%. Nearly half of students who start here never finish, creating debt without degree completion. The 72% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that could derail your investment.
You should target UW-Oshkosh if you plan to study business, nursing, or medical laboratory science. These programs align well with Wisconsin's healthcare systems and regional business needs. Accounting graduates earn $54,904 with manageable debt of $18,645, making it another solid choice.
Avoid this school if you plan to study programs not listed among the top earners, as the median graduate salary of $55,548 barely exceeds what the strongest programs deliver. The financial aid picture works against you, with only 16% of students receiving aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities.
The $14,761 annual net price keeps total costs reasonable for Wisconsin residents, but you need a clear career path in one of the paying majors to make the investment worthwhile. Students without strong academic preparation or clear professional goals face higher dropout risk and weaker financial outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh worth the cost?
UW-Oshkosh offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $14,761 and median debt of $21,500. However, the 58% graduation rate and $55,548 median earnings present mixed returns on investment.
What are the best paying majors at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?
Business Administration leads with $80,292 median earnings, followed by nursing programs around $60,000-$75,000. These programs justify the cost better than the overall institutional average.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduates typically have?
The median debt is $21,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. With starting salaries around $55,548, most graduates can handle this debt load reasonably well.
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?
Only 58% of students graduate, which is below average for four-year institutions. This means a significant risk of leaving with debt but no degree.