University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's published cost of attendance is $22,174 per year, including $22,020 in out-of-state tuition, $10,980 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Wisconsin residents pay $10,020 in tuition, significantly reducing the total cost.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $22,020 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,177 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,860 |
| $30–48k | $12,001 |
| $48–75k | $15,762 |
| $75–110k | $19,773 |
| $110k+ | $21,112 |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's published cost of attendance is $22,174 per year, including $22,020 in out-of-state tuition, $10,980 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Wisconsin residents pay $10,020 in tuition, significantly reducing the total cost. However, the average student pays just $16,177 after financial aid, representing savings of $5,997 from the sticker price.
This net price of $16,177 compares closely to the peer median of $15,590, positioning UW-Milwaukee as reasonably priced within its comparison group. The financial aid system reduces costs for students across income levels, though the magnitude of savings varies significantly based on family income. Net prices range from $10,860 for the lowest-income students to $21,112 for families earning over $110,000, reflecting a progressive aid structure that provides the largest discounts to students with the greatest financial need.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UW-Milwaukee graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which falls around the national average according to the debt tier classification. Debt levels range from $6,250 at the 25th percentile to $28,000 at the 75th percentile, showing considerable variation in borrowing patterns among students.
Compared to peer institutions with a median debt of $20,000, UW-Milwaukee graduates carry $3,000 more in debt, suggesting slightly higher borrowing relative to similar universities. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 indicates that median debt represents roughly 42% of first-year post-graduation earnings, which falls within manageable ranges for most graduates.
Parent PLUS loans average $15,528 with monthly payments of $204, providing context for family borrowing beyond student loans. The combination of moderate debt levels and above-average earnings growth creates favorable conditions for loan repayment, though students should carefully consider borrowing decisions based on their chosen programs and expected career paths.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UW-Milwaukee demonstrates strong return on investment through earnings that exceed expectations by $8,699, ranking at the 83.2nd percentile nationally and earning well above average recognition. This earnings uplift, combined with moderate debt levels, creates favorable economic outcomes for graduates.
Median earnings of $54,990 compare to peer median earnings of $60,543, indicating that while absolute earnings are somewhat lower, the value-added performance is exceptional. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable repayment obligations relative to income.
Students benefit from earnings beyond expectations that rank in the top 25% nationally, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in translating educational investment into career advancement. The combination of controlled borrowing, accessible pricing, and strong earnings uplift makes UW-Milwaukee particularly valuable for students seeking strong return on investment.
UW-Milwaukee's financial aid system generates average savings of $5,997 per student, bringing the net price to $16,177 from a sticker price of $22,174. The aid structure particularly benefits lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 receiving the deepest discounts.
The university's 17.3% Pell share indicates moderate enrollment of lower-income students who qualify for federal need-based aid, though this percentage is lower than many public universities. Aid targeting appears effective in making education more affordable for students with the greatest financial constraints.
The progressive pricing structure, combined with moderate Pell enrollment, suggests that financial aid successfully supports access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Students from middle-income families should expect net prices closer to the published average, while lower-income students can anticipate more substantial aid packages.
