University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior, Wisconsin · Public · 93.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 45/100 · Below Average Value
University of Wisconsin-Superior scores 45 (Below Average Value), a result shaped by a deeply weak completion rate of 41.9% and a 12.9-year payback period. Fewer than half of students who enroll graduate within 6 years, and median 6-year earnings of $33,200 are low relative to the $12,220 net price. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.678 reflects $22,500 median debt against modest earnings -- a constrained repayment situation. The school is a small (1,807 students) regional public university in northern Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior; its geography and size limit both its applicant pool and its employer connections.
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,812/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $16,726/yr |
| Average net price | $12,220/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $48,880 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,606 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $33,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $239 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 41.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,807 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Wisconsin-Superior is $8,812/year ($16,726/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 $12,220/year, or roughly $48,880 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,679/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $17,859/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $239 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $49,606 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.68 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
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 | $9,679 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,178 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,710 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,728 |
| $110,001+ | $17,859 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The lowest income bracket (0-$30,000) pays $9,679 per year at UW-Superior. While the absolute cost is low for a public institution, the 41.9% completion rate and $22,500 median debt create real risk for low-income students who don't finish. A student who enrolls, borrows, and leaves without a degree faces debt with no earnings uplift.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families in the $48,001-75,000 range pay $9,710 per year -- nearly identical to the lowest bracket, suggesting aid packaging is relatively flat at UW-Superior. The $75,001-110,000 bracket jumps to $13,728. At these prices the 12.9-year payback period is more tolerable than at a higher-cost institution, but still a slow return.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $17,859 per year. For a higher-income family, the low cost is the primary appeal of UW-Superior. The school does not offer a prestige premium or exceptional earnings outcome; it offers proximity, affordability, and a small-campus environment for students who want to stay in the region.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Wisconsin-Superior with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $43,561 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $56,863 | C+ |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $50,950 | D |
| Psychology | $44,116 | C |
| Social Work | $54,195 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,014 | C |
| Biology | $44,617 | D |
| Accounting | $60,644 | - |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $50,144 | - |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,167 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is the highest-volume program at 68 graduates with $45,999 year-one earnings and $56,863 at year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.525 (ROI grade C+) reflects median debt of $24,158 -- high relative to a low-cost public school, suggesting significant borrowing beyond in-state tuition. Year-four earnings of $56k are in line with regional Wisconsin and Minnesota business markets but do not reflect a premium education outcome.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education graduates 83 students with $39,475 year-one earnings and $43,561 at year four -- minimal growth over four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.830 (ROI grade D) is severe: median debt of $32,774 against Wisconsin K-12 teacher salaries produces a financial squeeze. The heavy debt relative to earnings at this institution likely reflects students borrowing more than necessary for a low-cost public school, or extended enrollment timelines that accumulate debt. Teacher education at UW-Superior is a financially difficult choice.
Social Work
Social Work graduates 31 students with $42,487 year-one earnings and $54,195 at year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.686 (ROI grade C) reflects median debt of $29,166 -- disproportionately high for a social work program at a low-cost public university. Year-four earnings near $54k represent the middle of the social work salary range in Wisconsin. The mismatch between debt and social work compensation is a recurring problem across the sector; students should limit borrowing aggressively.
Psychology
Psychology graduates 33 students with $38,262 year-one earnings and $44,116 at year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.649 (ROI grade C) reflects median debt of $24,833. Limited career trajectory through year four ($44k) suggests most psychology graduates are not entering high-demand applied roles; the modest earnings and significant debt load make this one of the weaker ROI choices at the school.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 61.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 64.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 68.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.0% |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-24 |
| Enrollment | 1,807 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 30.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,266 |
At 93% acceptance, UW-Superior is effectively open access for most applicants with a high school diploma. The ACT 18-24 range describes a below-average to average academic preparation level. Admission is rarely the obstacle here; retention and graduation are the primary challenges.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UW-Superior's peers include UW-Whitewater, UW-Eau Claire, Mississippi University for Women, Lake Superior State University, and Chadron State College. At ROI score 45, UW-Superior sits near the bottom of the UW System campuses on financial return metrics. The 41.9% completion rate is the defining weakness; UW-Whitewater and UW-Eau Claire both perform considerably better on persistence outcomes.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Superior (this school) | 45 | $12,220 | $49,606 |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | 72 | $16,550 | $58,561 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 64 | $14,158 | $55,356 |
| Chadron State College | 50 | $12,549 | $47,002 |
| Mississippi University for Women | 47 | $12,411 | $46,128 |
| Lake Superior State University | 46 | $12,822 | $49,045 |
Who Thrives Here
UW-Superior admits 93% of applicants, making it one of the least selective institutions in the UW System. ACT composite range of 18-24 reflects a broad academic preparation spectrum. With 30.8% Pell grant recipients, the school serves a mix of working-class and middle-income families from the northern Wisconsin and Minnesota border region. Students who thrive here are typically locally rooted, drawn to the outdoors-adjacent campus culture, and pursuing practical careers in business, education, or public safety. The 41.9% completion rate is a serious warning: students who struggle with persistence risk debt without a degree.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Wisconsin-Superior is mixed. At $12,220 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $49,606 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.9 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 41.9% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $22,500 against $49,606 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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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.