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
UW-Platteville gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major. At a net price under $15,000 a year and median debt around $22,000, you graduate owing less than the cost of a single year and earn a median of $61,760 a decade out. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor, and the 61.5% graduation rate means most people who start actually finish.
The engineering programs are where the money is. Electrical engineering leads at $71,015, with computer, industrial, and mechanical engineering all clearing $65,000. These pay back their debt fast, even the industrial engineering degree that carries a heavier $27,275 load. Computer and information sciences rounds out the top five at $62,508. If you're coming here, an engineering or computing degree is the clearest path to a return.
The risk is that the strong outcomes cluster tightly around engineering. No non-technical bachelor's programs show up in the top earners, so if you're studying something outside STEM, you can't count on the $61,760 median holding for your field. The 80% retention rate is decent but not airtight, and a fifth of first-year students don't come back for year two.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $8,600 a year. That jumps to $12,737 in the $48-75k band and $17,051 above $75k, so middle- and upper-income families carry most of the sticker cost. Even at the top tier of $18,259, the price stays reasonable for a school feeding graduates into Wisconsin and Midwest engineering jobs.
This school fits you if you want an engineering or computing degree at a low price. If you're set on a non-technical major, look closely at where those specific graduates land before committing.
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.