University of Wisconsin-Superior
University of Wisconsin-Superior — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Wisconsin-Superior at a Glance
The University of Wisconsin–Superior is a public liberal arts university in Superior, Wisconsin, United States. UW–Superior grants associate, bachelor's, master's and specialist's degrees. The university enrolls approximately 2,900 students as of fall 2025.
1893
133 years old
2,877
1,999 undergrad · 878 grad
Identity
Is University of Wisconsin-Superior Worth It?
University of Wisconsin-Superior offers moderate value at $12,220/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $49,606, which is 8% 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 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How University of Wisconsin-Superior compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #32 of 106 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #32 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | 44 | $12,220 | $49,606 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Wisconsin-Superior's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Wisconsin-Superior
The highest-earning program at University of Wisconsin-Superior is Accounting and Related Services at $45,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Sociology at $23,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from University of Wisconsin-Superior earns $45,100, while a Sociology graduate earns $23,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,220/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $45,100 | $45,100 | $22,366 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,800 | $38,800 | $21,831 |
| Social Work | $36,000 | $36,000 | $22,133 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $35,600 | $35,600 | $20,055 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,900 | $32,900 | $28,649 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,900 | $31,900 | $22,833 |
| Biology, General | $25,800 | $25,800 | $20,118 |
| Sociology | $23,700 | $23,700 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Superior, WI
- Student Body
- 1,807 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,220
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,606
- Median Student Debt
- $22,500