Compare 5 General Studies. programs in Wisconsin. Average earnings: $45,517.
The highest-earning General Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $17K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $57,441—nearly $13,000 above the state average of $45,517. UW-Green Bay and UW-Whitewater follow at $44,500 and $44,448 respectively, demonstrating consistent outcomes across the UW system.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UW-Oshkosh graduates borrow $21,500 and face just an 8.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. UW-Green Bay offers similar affordability at 11.6%, while UW-Whitewater's 14.5% burden requires more planning but remains manageable.
Highest program earnings: $57,441
Strong outcomes with 87% acceptance
8.5% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
14.6% family burden | Manageable - payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $57,441 | 37 | $21,500 | Good | $13,500 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $44,500 | 103 | $18,500 | Good | $13,480 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $44,448 | 26 | $23,188 | Manageable | $18,635 | High | |
| #4 | Alverno CollegePrivate | $41,193 | 38 | $27,000 | Challenging | $18,500 | High |
| #5 | $40,005 | 25 | $20,909 | Manageable | $12,452 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
