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
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh gives you a solid, middle-of-the-road financial return. You pay under $15,000 a year, borrow a median of $21,500, and end up earning around $55,500 a decade out. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor: you leave with less debt than one year of typical earnings, which keeps repayment manageable.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays the most of any program at Oshkosh and feeds directly into hospital and clinic jobs across the Fox Valley and eastern Wisconsin, where healthcare demand is steady. Accounting is the smartest money bet: it pays nearly as well as business administration but leaves you with the lowest debt of any top program at roughly $18,600. Business administration and clinical lab science both clear $53,000 and hold their value.
Economics is the one to watch. It pays the least of the top five yet carries the heaviest debt load at over $24,000. If you major in economics here, you take on more to earn less, so have a plan for where that degree leads.
The real risk at Oshkosh is finishing. Fewer than 6 in 10 students graduate, and about a quarter don't return after their first year. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome, and those odds are not trivial. Enroll only if you're confident you'll finish.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $9,200 a year. over $110,000, you pay closer to $18,600. That's a real gap, and it makes Oshkosh a strong value for working- and middle-class families in Wisconsin.
This school fits you if you're heading into nursing, accounting, or business and want a low-cost in-state degree. Look elsewhere if you're unsure of your major or worried about staying enrolled.
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.