Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa provides educational access for students who face significant barriers to higher education, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
However, graduates face substantial challenges with modest earnings and limited career advancement opportunities compared with other institutions.
Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa is a small private nonprofit institution serving students who often face significant educational and economic barriers. The college demonstrates strong commitment to access, with 57% of students receiving Pell Grants and 54% being first-generation college students. Nearly 40% of students transfer in, reflecting the institution's role as a pathway for students seeking to continue their education.
However, the college faces substantial challenges in student outcomes. Graduation rates are notably low, with only 23% of students completing their programs within six years. Long-term earnings for graduates average $32,568 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom 3% nationally for return on investment. The college falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, indicating high access but limited success in helping students achieve strong economic outcomes.
For families considering this option, Bryant & Stratton represents a trade-off between accessibility and outcomes. While the institution opens doors for students who might not otherwise attend college, the financial returns and completion rates suggest students should have realistic expectations about post-graduation prospects.
Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa does not have sufficient program-level data available to provide detailed analysis of specific majors or career pathways. This lack of detailed program information may reflect the institution's small size and limited program offerings. Without clear data on which programs lead to the strongest outcomes, prospective students should carefully research the specific career prospects and earning potential associated with their intended field of study.
The absence of standout programs in the data suggests that the institution may not have developed strong connections with employers or specialized training that leads to competitive job placement. Students considering enrollment should seek detailed information about job placement rates, employer partnerships, and alumni outcomes in their specific area of interest before making their decision.
Graduates of Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa face significant challenges in the job market, with median earnings of $32,568 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution in the bottom 3% nationally for long-term financial outcomes. The college's graduates earn approximately $4,544 less than what would be expected for similar students at other institutions, indicating that the educational experience does not translate into competitive earning power.
Early career outcomes are similarly modest, with six-year median earnings of $27,873. Only 29 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, reflecting limited access to high-paying career paths. The loan repayment rate of 27% suggests many graduates struggle to service their educational debt, though the federal default rate is 0%, indicating students may be managing payments through alternative arrangements rather than defaulting outright.
The institution's program offerings appear to be concentrated in fields that typically lead to lower-paying positions. Without strong connections to high-return career paths or robust employer networks, graduates often find themselves competing for entry-level positions that may not justify the investment in higher education.
Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa offers relatively predictable pricing across income levels, though the value proposition remains questionable given the outcomes. Low-income students pay approximately $14,946 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $17,933, and higher-income families pay about $16,504. These net prices place the institution around the national average for affordability, ranking in the 54th percentile.
Debt levels present a significant concern when viewed against earning potential. Typical graduates carry $21,549 in federal student loan debt, with some families also taking on Parent PLUS loans averaging $7,900. While the federal default rate is 0%, this likely reflects the use of income-driven repayment plans and forbearance rather than successful repayment. With median earnings of $32,568, many graduates face debt-to-income ratios that strain their financial stability and limit their ability to build wealth over time.
Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
