At $14,785/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates earn $55,356/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,356/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,785 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,356/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,356/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,188 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,426/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,003/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,049/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,177/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,142/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $74,874 | $28,446 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,576 | $23,664 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,485 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,650 | $17,156 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $54,435 | $17,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,308 | $21,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $49,563 | $24,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,324 | $22,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,327 | $22,125 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,254 | $24,747 |
The Risk Factor
64.3% of students at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater delivers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with a net price under $15,000 making it one of Wisconsin's more affordable options. Your median debt of $23,188 sits well below national averages, while the $55,356 median earnings represent strong value in Wisconsin's job market.
Business majors see the biggest payoff here, with general business graduates earning nearly $75,000 annually despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. Computer science and quality control technology programs also deliver strong returns above $59,000. Accounting stands out for combining solid $57,650 earnings with the lowest debt burden at just $17,156. Economics offers decent earnings with manageable debt.
The 64% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk at UW-Whitewater. Nearly four in ten students leave without degrees, making careful program selection and academic preparation essential. The 78% retention rate suggests many struggles emerge after freshman year.
UW-Whitewater works best financially for Wisconsin residents targeting business, technology, or accounting careers who want affordable education without sacrificing earning potential. The school makes less sense for students needing extensive support services or those planning graduate school in competitive fields where prestige matters more.
Only 25% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting merit opportunities may be limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in one of the higher-earning programs while taking advantage of Wisconsin's relatively low in-state pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater worth the cost?
UW-Whitewater offers reasonable value with a net price of $14,785 and median debt of $23,188, but the 10-year earnings of $55,356 are below national averages. Business majors see much better returns at nearly $75,000, while other programs lag significantly.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
Business and computer science graduates earn the most, with business majors averaging $74,874 ten years after graduation. Other programs like economics and accounting fall closer to $55,000, which barely justifies the cost for many students.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates have?
The median debt is $23,188, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of just $55,356, graduates outside top programs may struggle to pay this back quickly.
Does University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary dramatically by major at UW-Whitewater. Business graduates do well financially, but the 64% graduation rate and modest overall earnings suggest many students don't see strong returns on their investment.