Students at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh achieve earnings that place the institution well above average nationally, with graduates earning more than expected compared with similar students elsewhere.
The combination of strong financial outcomes and manageable debt levels creates a reliable pathway to economic success for Wisconsin students.
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh delivers consistent value as a mid-sized public university that balances selectivity with strong long-term outcomes. While the university serves a more academically prepared student body with lower Pell Grant participation, it translates that foundation into meaningful career success. Graduates earn a median of $55,548 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution well above average nationally for earnings outcomes among public universities.
What distinguishes UW-Oshkosh is its focus on practical, career-oriented programs that lead directly into stable employment. The university's strongest programs center on nursing, education, and business fields, where graduates consistently find solid career pathways. With nearly 58% of students completing their degrees within six years, the institution demonstrates its ability to support students through to graduation in fields that matter for Wisconsin's economy.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, UW-Oshkosh represents the category of public universities that maintain academic standards while delivering strong financial returns. The university combines the accessibility of public higher education with outcomes that rival more expensive alternatives, making it a practical choice for families who want reliable results without excessive risk or cost.
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that connect directly to Wisconsin's regional economy. Nursing stands out as both the university's largest program and its strongest financial performer, graduating 293 students annually who earn median salaries of $59,556 ten years out. This combination of scale and earnings makes nursing the institution's primary economic engine, reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals throughout Wisconsin.
Education programs represent another major pathway, with Adult and Continuing Education graduating 107 students who earn around $39,969 in stable teaching and training careers. Business-related programs like Accounting Technology, while smaller in scale with 32 graduates, deliver strong early-career earnings of $54,904, demonstrating the university's connection to Wisconsin's business sector and the practical skills employers value.
The variation in outcomes across programs is significant and worth noting for prospective students. While professional programs in nursing, education, and business consistently deliver solid middle-class earnings, liberal arts fields like psychology show more modest financial returns, with graduates earning around $26,850 ten years out. This pattern reflects UW-Oshkosh's strength in career-focused education rather than broad liberal arts preparation, making program selection particularly important for students prioritizing long-term financial outcomes.
Graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that place the institution well above average nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $55,548, with the university ranking in the top 30% nationally for earnings performance. Graduates also earn about $1,438 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what would be expected based on student characteristics alone.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing program, which graduates 293 students annually with median earnings of $59,556, making it both the largest and highest-return program at the institution. Adult and Continuing Education represents another significant pathway, graduating 107 students who earn around $39,969 in stable education careers. Accounting Technology graduates, though fewer in number at 32 students, achieve strong early-career earnings of $54,904, reflecting the program's connection to Wisconsin's business sector.
Program outcomes vary meaningfully by field of study. While nursing, education, and business programs deliver strong and predictable earnings, graduates in psychology and other liberal arts fields see more modest financial returns, with psychology majors earning around $26,850 ten years out. This variation underscores the importance of program choice at UW-Oshkosh, where career-focused fields consistently outperform more general academic programs in terms of long-term earning potential.
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible for Wisconsin families seeking quality public higher education. Low-income students pay approximately $9,232 annually after aid, well below national averages for similar institutions. Middle-income families face net costs around $13,961 per year, while higher-income students pay about $18,553 annually, representing predictable and transparent pricing that helps families plan effectively over four years.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $21,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $12,000 for families who choose that option. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by the institution's focus on career-oriented programs that lead to stable employment. Most borrowers make steady progress on loan repayment, with the university's graduates paying down balances at rates that exceed national medians in the early years after graduation.
What makes UW-Oshkosh particularly sustainable financially is the combination of moderate borrowing levels and reliable post-graduation earnings. With median earnings near $55,548 ten years out, most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain, while the university's emphasis on practical, in-demand fields helps ensure that students can find employment that supports their debt obligations over time.
University Of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
