UW-Whitewater combines open access admissions with above-average earnings outcomes. As an Opportunity Builders institution, the university generates $1,154 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels close to peer institutions, supporting long-term career advancement.
With an above average tier, driven by earnings that exceed expectations for the student population served
With an above average tier, indicating controlled costs and reasonable debt levels relative to outcomes
With an above average tier, showing moderate enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With a well above average tier, reflecting the university's ability to serve diverse students while generating solid earnings outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisOpportunity Builders: accessible admissions with solid outcomes
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ranks #321 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with composite performance at the 80.3rd percentile. Located in Whitewater, Wisconsin, this medium-sized public university maintains an open access admission policy with an 82.8% acceptance rate while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
UW-Whitewater enrolls 25.0% Pell-eligible students and 30.0% first-generation students, reflecting moderate accessibility compared to peer institutions. Graduates earn $1,154 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 60.7th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years after enrollment, placing UW-Whitewater at the 58th percentile for long-term earnings outcomes. Compared to the peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $5,240 more annually.
This combination of accessible admissions, moderate access measures, and above-average economic outcomes places UW-Whitewater within the Opportunity Builders quadrant, where institutions balance broad educational access with meaningful career preparation and earnings growth.
UW-Whitewater delivers above-average earnings outcomes while maintaining manageable debt levels for graduates. Students earn a median of $55,356 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 58th percentile nationally and $5,240 above the peer median of $50,116.
Earnings range from $40,426 at the 25th percentile to $75,834 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across business, education, and communication disciplines. The institution generates $1,154 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 60.7th percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking strong business education outcomes at an accessible public university. Well-suited for first-generation students (30.0%) and those prioritizing manageable debt alongside above-average earnings.
UW-Whitewater's open access admissions combine with solid career preparation, particularly in business, finance, and digital marketing fields.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of Wisconsin-Whitewater hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater/analysis.
UW-Whitewater admits approximately 82.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UW-Whitewater in the Open Access tier, providing broad educational opportunity for Wisconsin residents and beyond.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates UW-Whitewater's selectivity aligns closely with similar public comprehensive universities, being just 1.8 percentage points more selective than typical peers. This level of accessibility means that most students with solid high school preparation can expect admission, though academic performance still matters for scholarship consideration and program placement.
Students should view UW-Whitewater as a realistic option while building college lists, particularly if they seek a quality public education with reasonable admission requirements. The university's open access philosophy supports its mission of serving diverse student populations, including 25.0% Pell-eligible students and 30.0% first-generation students.
For prospective students, this admission rate indicates UW-Whitewater prioritizes broad access while maintaining academic standards that prepare graduates for career success, as evidenced by above-average earnings outcomes relative to peer institutions.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
UW-Whitewater's published cost of attendance is $18,661 per year—that's $17,916 in out-of-state tuition, $7,770 for room and board, and $300 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $8,250.
However, the average student pays just $14,785 after financial aid, representing savings of $3,876 from the sticker price. This net price sits $692 below the peer median of $14,093, making UW-Whitewater more affordable than typical similar institutions.
The financial aid system targets support effectively, with low-income students paying just $8,426 annually while higher-income families pay $18,142. This progressive pricing structure means that families earning under $30,000 receive substantial aid, paying less than half the amount of families earning over $110,000.
The $9,716 gap between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates meaningful affordability support for students from modest economic backgrounds. With 25.0% of students receiving Pell grants, UW-Whitewater serves a substantial population that benefits from federal and institutional aid programs designed to make college accessible regardless of family income.
UW-Whitewater graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their early to mid-career progression. Median earnings rise from $47,909 six years after enrollment to $51,609 at eight years and $55,356 at ten years, representing 15.5% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohort sizes of 3,710 graduates at six years, 3,875 at eight years, and 3,716 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $1,154 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UW-Whitewater at the 60.7th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics and program mix.
Low-income graduates earn $39,700, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Earnings distribution spans from $40,426 at the 25th percentile to $75,834 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 22.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study with high confidence in this estimate, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings trajectory shows consistent upward momentum, with graduates positioned for continued income growth beyond the ten-year measurement point.
Artificial Intelligence.
62 graduates
Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician.
33 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
133 graduates
Applied Economics.
25 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
219 graduates
UW-Whitewater offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for comprehensive ranking analysis. Business/Commerce, General ranks #28 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin, producing 95 graduates with median earnings of $57,999 and a value score of 58.5.
Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #67 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin, graduating 99 students with median earnings of $44,094. Executive/Career Coaching ranks #24 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin, graduating 62 students with median earnings of $59,087.
Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #77 nationally and #3 in Wisconsin, with 219 graduates earning $63,420 and achieving a strong value score of 62.7. Digital Marketing ranks #76 nationally and #4 in Wisconsin, graduating 184 students with median earnings of $57,621.
The institution's flagship programs include Business Administration and Management with 222 graduates annually, Banking and Financial Support Services with 219 graduates, and Digital Marketing with 184 graduates, reflecting strong student demand in business-related fields that align with favorable employment outcomes.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Michigan University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#322 ranked) | MI | 81% | $51,793 | #322 | Compare |
State University Of New York At New Paltz Similar quality tier (#319 ranked) | NY | 59% | $58,073 | #319 | Compare |
Lamar University Similar quality tier (#323 ranked) | TX | 86% | $49,652 | #323 | Compare |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Similar quality tier in Midwest (#317 ranked) | IL | 90% | $53,390 | #317 | Compare |
University Of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Similar quality tier (#316 ranked) | MA | 92% | $68,804 | #316 | Compare |
