University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at a Glance
The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh is a public university in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the University of Wisconsin System and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs.
1871
155 years old
$22M
$22 million (2017)
12,964
6,927 undergrad · 959 grad
5 acres
Identity
Is University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Worth It?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers moderate value at $14,305/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $55,548, which is near the national average. 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 51% 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-Oshkosh compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #41 of 154 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 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #4 | Solano Community College | 83 | $4,669 | $44,170 |
| #5 | California State University-Channel Islands | 83 | $9,849 | $62,152 |
| #6 | Saint Johns River State College | 80 | $6,135 | $41,728 |
| #41 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | 49 | $14,305 | $55,548 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in WI.
Best Programs at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
The highest-earning program at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at $24,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh earns $59,100, while a Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduate earns $24,400. 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 $23,483 in median debt vs. $25,750 for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,305/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 | $59,100 | $59,100 | $23,483 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,800 | $53,800 | $18,743 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $47,200 | $47,200 | $22,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $44,800 | $44,800 | $21,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $40,800 | $40,800 | $23,770 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $40,500 | $40,500 | $20,344 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $40,100 | $40,100 | $25,100 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,600 | $39,600 | $25,000 |
| Social Work | $34,500 | $34,500 | $23,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $34,300 | $34,300 | $27,335 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,600 | $32,600 | $24,442 |
| Biology, General | $31,600 | $31,600 | $23,900 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $31,400 | $31,400 | $23,500 |
| Psychology, General | $27,100 | $27,100 | $21,500 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $26,500 | $26,500 | $23,944 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $24,400 | $24,400 | $25,750 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Oshkosh, WI
- Student Body
- 6,877 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,305
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,548
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500