At $14,754/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates earn $61,760/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,760/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,754 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,016 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,760/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,760/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,977 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,666/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,552/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,737/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,051/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,259/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Master | $87,604 | $26,008 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $77,087 | $31,133 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $23,250 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,995 | $24,272 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,701 | $27,275 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,585 | $22,750 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $62,508 | $21,750 |
| Engineering Physics. | Bachelor | $61,218 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,028 | $21,750 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,549 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.5% of students at University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Platteville delivers strong financial returns for engineering students but presents mixed outcomes across other programs. The school's engineering focus aligns well with Wisconsin's manufacturing economy, where technical skills command premium wages.
Engineering majors see the strongest payoff, with general engineering graduates earning $87,604 annually against $26,008 in debt. Business administration also performs well at $77,087, though debt loads climb to $31,133. Computer and electrical engineering programs deliver solid mid-$60,000s to low-$70,000s earnings with manageable debt below $25,000.
The financial risk lies in choosing non-engineering programs at a school built around technical education. Your earning potential drops significantly outside the engineering college, and you'll face the same costs for lesser returns. The 61.5% graduation rate means nearly two in five students leave without degrees, carrying debt but no credential.
You'll find this school financially worthwhile if you're committed to engineering or business and can handle the technical coursework. The $14,754 net price keeps costs reasonable for a public university, and the regional job market rewards UW-Platteville's engineering reputation.
Skip this school if you're unsure about your major or prefer liberal arts. The low financial aid percentage means most students pay close to sticker price, and non-technical programs don't justify the investment. Engineering-focused students benefit from strong industry connections and practical training that translates directly to Wisconsin's job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Platteville worth the cost?
UW-Platteville offers solid value for engineering students, with graduates earning $87,604 starting salaries that justify the $21,977 median debt. However, the 61.5% graduation rate means nearly 4 in 10 students don't finish, creating significant financial risk.
What programs at University of Wisconsin-Platteville have the best ROI?
Engineering programs deliver the strongest returns, with general engineering graduates earning $87,604 and electrical engineering at $71,015. Business and computer engineering also show decent outcomes, but avoid programs outside these STEM and business fields.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates typically have?
The median debt of $21,977 is manageable for engineering graduates who earn $70,000-$87,000, but risky for students in lower-paying programs. With the low graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without degrees to show for it.
Does University of Wisconsin-Platteville provide good financial aid?
The $14,754 net price is reasonable for a public university, especially for Wisconsin residents. However, the 85% acceptance rate means limited merit aid competition, so expect to rely heavily on federal aid and loans.