Students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee consistently earn more than similar students at other institutions, with graduates seeing meaningful earnings advantages that place the university above national averages.
The combination of strong affordability and solid long-term outcomes makes UW-Milwaukee particularly valuable for families seeking reliable returns on their educational investment.
Azimuth ranks the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 177th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 56th percentile for overall value. UW-Milwaukee stands out as a large public research university that delivers consistent outcomes across a diverse student body while maintaining strong affordability metrics. The university serves over 30% Pell Grant recipients and about 33% first-generation students, yet still achieves solid long-term earnings outcomes that exceed expectations by more than $2,100 compared with similar institutions.
What makes UW-Milwaukee particularly compelling is its combination of urban access and financial sustainability. Located in Wisconsin's largest city, the university offers the scale and resources of a major research institution while keeping net prices well below national averages for most income groups. Students benefit from strong programs in nursing, engineering, and other professional fields that translate into stable career outcomes.
The university's position as a "Selective Achiever" reflects its ability to balance accessibility with meaningful outcomes. While it serves a substantial number of students from diverse backgrounds, graduates consistently achieve earnings that place the institution above average nationally, making it a reliable choice for families seeking both educational quality and financial value in Wisconsin's urban center.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's program portfolio balances professional preparation with broad academic offerings, creating pathways to financial success across multiple fields. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both a large program with 276 graduates and the highest aggregate return on campus, with median earnings of $60,851 reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in the Milwaukee region. This combination of scale and outcomes makes nursing a cornerstone of UW-Milwaukee's value proposition.
Engineering programs deliver the highest individual earnings, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $67,812 despite smaller cohorts of 37 students. These technical programs demonstrate UW-Milwaukee's ability to compete with specialized institutions while maintaining the resources and support systems of a comprehensive university. The strong performance in both nursing and engineering reflects the university's connection to Milwaukee's healthcare systems and manufacturing base.
Even in fields with more modest early earnings, UW-Milwaukee provides solid career preparation. Psychology, the university's largest major with 360 graduates, shows earnings of $29,876 that reflect the field's diverse career pathways and the need for additional credentialing in many psychology-related careers. The university's broad program mix ensures that students across different interests can find meaningful preparation for their chosen fields, while professional programs drive the institution's above-average earnings performance and create clear pathways to financial stability.
Graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $54,990, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of about $2,133 compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance places UW-Milwaukee above the national average for long-term earnings, reflecting the institution's ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers across multiple fields.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its professional programs, particularly nursing and engineering. Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 276 students annually, leads with median earnings of $60,851 and represents the highest aggregate return program on campus. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $67,812, though with smaller cohorts of 37 graduates. These programs demonstrate UW-Milwaukee's strength in fields with clear career pathways and strong employer demand in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
Even popular majors like Psychology, which enrolls 360 students, provide meaningful career preparation despite more modest early earnings of $29,876. The university's broad program portfolio ensures that students across different interests can find pathways to financial stability, while professional programs in nursing, engineering, and business drive the institution's above-average earnings performance. This balance makes UW-Milwaukee particularly valuable for students who want career flexibility without sacrificing long-term financial security.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Low-income students pay about $10,860 per year in net price, well below national averages, while middle-income families see annual costs around $15,762. Even high-income families benefit from predictable pricing at $21,112 annually, creating transparency that helps with multi-year financial planning.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UW-Milwaukee graduates. Typical students leave with about $23,000 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's median earnings of nearly $55,000 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,528, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create excessive burden for most households. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes UW-Milwaukee particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and solid earning potential. The university's loan repayment patterns show that borrowers consistently pay down balances faster than national medians, with strong performance across all tracked years. This reflects both the institution's affordable pricing structure and the career preparation that enables graduates to handle their financial obligations comfortably while building long-term wealth.
University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
