At $13,405/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates earn $49,606/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,606/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,405 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,606/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,606/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,194/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,797/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,195/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,774/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,218/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Materials Moving, Other. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,565 | $41,481 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,056 | $19,333 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $22,036 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $37,671 | $23,611 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $21,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,230 | $22,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
44.1% of students at University of Wisconsin-Superior 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-Superior gives you a middling financial return. You'd pay $13,405 a year and leave with median earnings near $49,600 and $22,500 in debt. That debt is manageable against those earnings, but the 44% graduation rate is the real problem: fewer than half of you finish, and if you drop out with loans and no degree, the math collapses.
Program choice decides your outcome here. Transportation and Materials Moving pays around $63,000, the clear winner and $15,000 above Accounting, the next-best major. Business Administration and Social Work land in the high $30,000s, and Social Work carries the heaviest debt of the listed programs while paying the least. If you're weighing Social Work against Accounting, you'd earn roughly $10,000 less a year and borrow more. Pick the major deliberately.
The biggest financial risk is completion, not cost. A 71% retention rate means nearly three in ten of you don't return after freshman year. Borrow, leave, and you carry debt with no earnings bump to pay it down.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k you'd pay about $8,200. that barely changes up to $48k. Above $75k the price jumps past $16,700, so wealthier families see far less discount. If your family earns under $48,000, this is one of the more affordable public options you'll find.
This school fits you if you're targeting Transportation, Accounting, or Business, come from a lower-income household, and are confident you'll graduate. Look elsewhere if you're drawn to a lower-paying major, plan to borrow heavily, or aren't sure you'll finish, because the graduation odds here work against that bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Superior worth the cost?
With a low net price of $13,405 annually and median debt of $22,500, UW-Superior offers affordable access to higher education. However, the 44% graduation rate and $49,606 average earnings 10 years after enrollment suggest mixed value for the investment.
What are the best paying majors at University of Wisconsin-Superior?
Transportation and Materials Moving programs lead with $63,005 average earnings, while Accounting graduates earn around $48,041. Most other programs at UW-Superior produce earnings below $45,000, which may not justify the degree cost for some students.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates have?
UW-Superior graduates carry a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low sticker price helps keep borrowing reasonable, though the 44% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What is the job market like for University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates?
UW-Superior graduates earn an average of $49,606 ten years after enrollment, below the national average for college graduates. The school's 95% acceptance rate and low graduation rate suggest it serves primarily as an access institution rather than a career advancement tool.