Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior benefit from exceptional affordability combined with earnings that consistently exceed expectations for a regional public university.
The university delivers solid financial value through low net prices, manageable debt levels, and graduates who outperform similar institutions by nearly $6,000 annually.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior serves as an accessible regional public university that prioritizes affordability while delivering solid educational outcomes. Located in Superior, Wisconsin, this small public institution focuses on providing practical, career-oriented programs at costs well below national averages. With nearly 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and a similar share being first-generation college students, UW-Superior maintains its commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.
While the university's graduation rates and earnings outcomes are modest compared to flagship institutions, UW-Superior excels in affordability metrics, ranking in the top 30% nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $8,194 annually, while middle-income families see net costs around $12,195 per year. The institution's strength lies in providing accessible higher education without the financial strain often associated with larger research universities.
As a small public university in Wisconsin's university system, UW-Superior offers personalized attention and community-focused learning. The university graduates students who earn above-average returns compared to similar institutions, with median 10-year earnings of $49,606 and graduates consistently outperforming expectations by nearly $6,000 annually. For students seeking an affordable path to a bachelor's degree with reasonable long-term financial outcomes, UW-Superior represents solid value in Wisconsin's higher education landscape.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional public university serving practical career needs. Business Administration and Management leads both in enrollment with 96 graduates and aggregate return, producing graduates who earn around $40,056 ten years out. This program represents the university's strongest combination of scale and financial outcomes, making it a cornerstone of the institution's value proposition.
Adult and Continuing Education, the second-largest program with 69 graduates, serves a specialized market with graduates earning $33,755 annually. While earnings are more modest, this program reflects UW-Superior's commitment to serving non-traditional students and those seeking careers in education and community service. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies rounds out the top programs with 47 graduates earning approximately $39,369, demonstrating that flexible degree options can still lead to competitive regional outcomes.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that serve regional workforce needs. While the absolute number of graduates in each program is relatively small, reflecting the institution's size, the focus on business, education, and interdisciplinary studies aligns well with employment opportunities in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. These programs provide students with accessible pathways to stable middle-class careers without requiring the higher costs associated with more specialized or research-intensive programs.
Graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Superior achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for a small regional public university. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $49,606, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of approximately $5,737 annually compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance places UW-Superior in a competitive position among regional public universities, demonstrating that graduates consistently outperform what would be predicted based on the institution's profile and student characteristics.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the most popular major with 96 graduates and the highest aggregate return program, with graduates earning around $40,056 ten years out. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program by enrollment with 69 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $33,755, reflecting the field's focus on public service careers. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies graduates earn approximately $39,369, showing that even flexible degree programs can lead to competitive outcomes.
The university's return on investment reflects its mission as a regional institution serving Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. While absolute earnings levels are moderate compared to major research universities, the consistent positive earnings beyond expectations suggests that UW-Superior effectively prepares students for regional job markets and career advancement. The combination of affordable education costs and solid earnings outcomes creates a favorable long-term financial proposition for graduates.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior excels in affordability, ranking in the top 30% nationally for keeping higher education costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $8,194 per year, well below national averages for public universities. Middle-income families see annual costs around $12,195, while even high-income families pay a reasonable $17,218 annually. This consistent affordability across income bands makes UW-Superior accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds without the financial strain common at larger institutions.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $22,500 upon graduation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,827, reflecting the university's success in keeping family borrowing at reasonable levels. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation. This strong repayment performance reflects both the manageable debt levels and the solid earnings outcomes that allow graduates to service their loans effectively.
What makes UW-Superior particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and reasonable post-graduation earning power. With median earnings of $49,606 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers. The university's loan repayment trajectory data shows that borrowers consistently outperform national averages in paying down balances, with stronger-than-typical progress in the early years after graduation.
University Of Wisconsin-Superior Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
