Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and health programs typically producing higher earnings than liberal arts fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 58 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel in earnings performance, national rankings, or value scores across UW-Milwaukee's diverse academic portfolio.
#183 nationally
$42K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Engineering and technology fields produce the highest single-program earnings at UW-Milwaukee, with Mechanical Engineering reaching $77,520 though serving only 115 graduates. Information Science/Studies ranks #26 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin, producing $63,965 in earnings with 182 graduates.
These programs offer strong earnings potential but show variation in value scores, with Information Science demonstrating better cost-effectiveness. Students should consider both earnings potential and debt implications when choosing within this high-earning cluster.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #183 | $81,168 |
Program outcomes reflect federal College Scorecard data measuring median earnings of graduates 4-6 years after completion, with cohort size requirements ensuring statistical reliability. Rankings compare performance against all institutions nationally offering similar programs, while value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on investment. These outcome-based metrics reflect labor market results rather than academic reputation or program prestige. Students should consider these data alongside personal interests, career goals, and preparation requirements when evaluating programs. Earnings represent median outcomes and individual results vary significantly based on career choices, geographic location, and professional development. The sample includes programs with sufficient graduate cohorts for reliable measurement, representing a substantial portion but not all of UW-Milwaukee's academic offerings.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 37 |
| Computer Science. | #130 | $80,355 | — | 69 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #194 | $77,520 | — | 115 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #120 | $72,845 | — | 57 |
| Computer Engineering, General.Small sample | #138 | $72,482 | — | 11 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #69 | $72,308 | — | 31 |
| Materials Engineering.Small sample | #28 | $69,175 | — | 16 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #27 | $63,965 | $14,618 | 182 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #96 | $50,472 | — | 28 |
Business programs show strong earnings performance across multiple specializations, with Business Administration and Management producing $66,918 in median earnings and ranking #87 nationally. Digital Marketing generates $56,157 with excellent value scores (72.9) and serves 292 students.
Banking and Financial Support Services produces $57,876 with 230 graduates. These programs combine solid earnings potential with manageable debt levels, making them attractive for students seeking practical career preparation with strong return on investment in growing business sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science.Small sample | #40 | $75,866★ | — | 11 |
| Information Resources Management. | #42 | $69,806 | — | 57 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #86 | $66,918 | $18,494 | 157 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #148 | $65,831 | — | 88 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #108 | $57,876 | $14,000 | 230 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #32 | $56,583 | — | 71 |
| Digital Marketing. | #57 | $56,157 | $14,000 | 292 |
Health programs deliver the highest earnings at UW-Milwaukee, led by Adult Health Nurse/Nursing at $71,297 median earnings. This program serves 276 graduates annually and ranks #1 in Wisconsin, though debt levels reach $18,319.
Blood Bank Technology Specialist produces strong earnings of $59,322 with 120 graduates and ranks #20 nationally. These health programs offer excellent career prospects with strong earnings potential, making them well-suited for students prioritizing post-graduation income and willing to manage moderate debt levels for professional preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #120 | $71,297★ | $18,319 | 276 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #25 | $59,322 | — | 120 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #36 | $54,465 | — | 34 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #9 | $51,056 | — | 45 |
Biological sciences programs show more modest earnings outcomes, with Biology, General producing $41,925 median earnings among 187 graduates. The program ranks #240 nationally, indicating competitive challenges within the field.
Despite lower earnings, biology programs prepare students for graduate school continuation and diverse career pathways. These programs are best suited for students planning advanced study or those prioritizing scientific preparation over immediate high earnings, with the understanding that career development may require additional education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #92 | $71,400★ | — | 29 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #89 | $55,756 | — | 16 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #53 | $48,919 | — | 24 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #69 | $44,921 | — | 51 |
| Biology, General. | #243 | $41,925 | $16,000 | 187 |
| Immunology.Small sample | #53 | $29,685 | — | 15 |
Social sciences demonstrate solid performance with Psychology, General serving as the university's largest program with 360 graduates earning $44,158. American Government and Politics produces $50,414 with 78 graduates and ranks #166 nationally.
These programs typically prepare students for diverse career paths including graduate study, with earnings that reflect the broad applicability of social science training. Students should expect moderate earnings with opportunities for career growth through experience and additional credentials in public service, research, or related professional fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #174 | $59,035★ | — | 71 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #169 | $50,414 | — | 78 |
| Psychology, General. | #110 | $44,158 | $15,861 | 360 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #60 | $44,016 | $11,950 | 94 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #131 | $43,554 | $18,266 | 69 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | #76 | $39,104 | — | 16 |
| Anthropology, General. | #107 | $33,035 | — | 45 |
Communication and Media Studies serves 332 students with earnings of $43,995, ranking #109 nationally and representing one of UW-Milwaukee's larger programs. The program shows moderate earnings with reasonable debt levels, reflecting typical outcomes in media and communications fields.
Students can expect career opportunities in journalism, media production, public relations, and related fields. This program suits students interested in communications careers while understanding that earnings may be moderate initially with growth potential through experience and specialization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #111 | $43,995 | $20,965 | 332 |
Arts and humanities programs show varied outcomes, with Art History, Criticism and Conservation achieving strong value performance (73.6 score) despite earnings of $36,911, ranking #61 nationally. English Language and Literature produces $36,878 among 114 graduates.
These programs prioritize intellectual development and cultural understanding, with graduates often pursuing careers in education, museums, publishing, and creative industries. Students should expect lower initial earnings but value the broad analytical and communication skills that support diverse long-term career development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #47 | $51,655★ | — | 39 |
| American History (United States). | #139 | $44,193 | — | 64 |
| Buddhist Studies.Small sample | #7 | $36,924 | — | 18 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #69 | $36,911 | $14,000 | 126 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #204 | $36,878 | — | 114 |
| Applied Linguistics.Small sample | #73 | $36,549 | — | 17 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #38 | $34,082 | $20,742 | 77 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #91 | $33,636 | — | 11 |
| Brass Instruments. | #124 | $31,502 | — | 28 |
| Acting. | #71 | $30,055 | — | 26 |
| Ballet.Small sample | — | $21,234 | — | 9 |
Education programs at UW-Milwaukee demonstrate exceptional value performance, with Education, General ranking #5 nationally and achieving the highest value score (76.5) among all university programs. Despite moderate earnings of $44,161, the strong ranking reflects excellent outcomes relative to program costs and debt levels.
This program serves 153 graduates annually and ranks #1 in Wisconsin, highlighting UW-Milwaukee's leadership in teacher preparation. Students pursuing education can expect solid career preparation with manageable financial obligations and strong institutional reputation in the field.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #43 | $48,378★ | — | 19 |
| Education, General. | #5 | $44,161 | $16,148 | 153 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #134 | $43,447 | — | 25 |
| Administration of Special Education. | #2 | $41,552 | — | 41 |
Architectural Design produces $53,873 in median earnings among 95 graduates, ranking #34 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin. Despite strong ranking performance, the program shows moderate value scores, reflecting the specialized nature of architectural preparation.
Students interested in design and built environment careers can expect reasonable earnings with opportunities for growth through licensure and experience. This program suits students with strong spatial and design interests willing to pursue professional development in architecture.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #113 | $38,936 | — | 79 |
Corrections Administration produces median earnings of $50,378 with 96 graduates, ranking #73 nationally and #2 in Wisconsin. The program demonstrates solid outcomes for students interested in criminal justice careers, with earnings that reflect the professional nature of the field.
Students can expect career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and related public safety sectors. This program offers reasonable earnings potential with manageable debt levels for those committed to public service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #70 | $50,378 | $15,450 | 96 |
Architectural Design. leads other & interdisciplinary with 54K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Design. | #39 | $53,873★ | — | 95 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #94 | $49,086 | — | 67 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #26 | $48,024 | — | 55 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #43 | $42,088 | — | 28 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #93 | $37,636 | — | 59 |
| Nutrition Sciences.Small sample | #38 | $30,042 | — | 14 |
| African Studies.Small sample | — | $21,508 | — | 5 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
