University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay at a Glance
The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay is a public university in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1965, it is part of the University of Wisconsin System. As of fall 2024, student enrollment had risen to 11,188, making the school the fastest growing university in Wisconsin.
1965
61 years old
$62M
$61.8 million (2025)
9,870
9,278 undergrad · 592 grad
700 acres
Identity
Is University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Worth It?
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers moderate value at $13,369/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $52,528, which is 2% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How University of Wisconsin-Green Bay compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #49 of 191 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #49 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | 49 | $13,369 | $52,528 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in WI.
Best Programs at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
The highest-earning program at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $69,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Design and Applied Arts at $22,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay earns $69,300, while a Design and Applied Arts graduate earns $22,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $18,480 in median debt vs. $19,500 for Design and Applied Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,369/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $69,300 | $69,300 | $18,480 |
| Computer Science | $53,500 | $53,500 | $21,315 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $50,200 | $50,200 | $27,755 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,500 | $40,500 | $19,036 |
| Education, General | $36,200 | $36,200 | $22,319 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $35,700 | $35,700 | $20,735 |
| Social Work | $35,200 | $35,200 | $16,990 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $34,300 | $34,300 | $19,416 |
| Public Administration | $34,100 | $34,100 | $21,355 |
| Political Science and Government | $33,500 | $33,500 | $22,724 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $32,100 | $32,100 | $26,498 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,400 | $31,400 | $22,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $30,900 | $30,900 | $24,000 |
| Social Sciences, Other | $29,500 | $29,500 | $21,118 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $28,500 | $28,500 | $25,641 |
| Behavioral Sciences | $27,700 | $27,700 | $21,500 |
| Human Biology | $27,400 | $27,400 | $19,683 |
| Psychology, General | $27,200 | $27,200 | $21,500 |
| Biology, General | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,750 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $24,800 | $24,800 | $25,210 |
| History | $24,400 | $24,400 | $25,926 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $22,000 | $22,000 | $19,500 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Green Bay, WI
- Student Body
- 6,341 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,369
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,528
- Median Student Debt
- $18,500