University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin · Public · 90.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 59/100 · Below Average Value
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,398/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,398/yr |
| Average net price | $15,014/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $60,056 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,990 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $244 |
| Estimated payback period | 10 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 49.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 16,758 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,329 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,709 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,344 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,315 |
| $110,001+ | $21,477 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | $64,173 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $81,067 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $69,673 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,697 | C |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $73,346 | C+ |
| Education, General | $49,228 | D |
| Psychology | $52,328 | D |
| Information Science | $70,639 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,223 | C |
| Biology | $58,804 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is $10,398/year ($22,398/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,014/year, or roughly $60,056 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,329/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,477/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $244 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,990 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.60 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 72.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 77.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 75.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 90.7% |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-25 |
| Enrollment | 16,758 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,960 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (this school) | 59 | $15,014 | $54,990 |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | 72 | $16,550 | $58,561 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 64 | $14,158 | $55,356 |
| East Carolina University | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
| Sam Houston State University | 58 | $16,404 | $54,211 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is mixed. At $15,014 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry - a payback period of 10 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 49.3% graduation rate.
Median debt of $23,000 against $54,990 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.