University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at a Glance
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater is a public university in Whitewater, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the University of Wisconsin System. As of fall 2024, the university offers 47 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate programs and enrolls approximately 11,000 students. Approximately 1,400 faculty and staff are employed by the university, and the student body consists of individuals from about 40 US states and 30 countries. UW–Whitewater operates the University of Wisconsin–Whitewat…
1868
158 years old
11,631
9,997 undergrad · 1,634 grad
400 acres
Identity
Is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Worth It?
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $14,158/year, it's priced 31% below average, while graduates go on to earn $55,356 — 3% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of Wisconsin-Whitewater compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #24 of 135 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-San Bernardino | 100 | $4,564 | $59,977 |
| #3 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #4 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #5 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #6 | Oakland University | 92 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| #24 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 60 | $14,158 | $55,356 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in WI.
Best Programs at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
The highest-earning program at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $55,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $23,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earns $55,900, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $23,700. 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: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $20,581 in median debt vs. $23,250 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,158/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $55,900 | $55,900 | $20,581 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $53,900 | $53,900 | $26,060 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $51,300 | $51,300 | $23,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $46,900 | $46,900 | $24,250 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $46,000 | $46,000 | $23,504 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,200 | $45,200 | $22,750 |
| Mathematics | $42,700 | $42,700 | $23,813 |
| Marketing | $41,400 | $41,400 | $22,250 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $39,700 | $39,700 | $25,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $39,500 | $39,500 | $21,284 |
| History | $38,700 | $38,700 | $26,500 |
| Chemistry | $36,900 | $36,900 | $23,478 |
| Music | $36,700 | $36,700 | $31,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,500 | $36,500 | $26,949 |
| Criminology | $36,300 | $36,300 | $24,364 |
| Sociology | $36,100 | $36,100 | $25,500 |
| Education, General | $35,400 | $35,400 | $22,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,000 | $35,000 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $34,600 | $34,600 | $23,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $34,300 | $34,300 | $24,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $31,800 | $31,800 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $31,600 | $31,600 | $27,000 |
| Journalism | $31,200 | $31,200 | $24,134 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $31,000 | $31,000 | $23,300 |
| Psychology, General | $30,400 | $30,400 | $26,125 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $28,900 | $28,900 | $26,848 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $26,600 | $26,600 | $26,115 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $23,700 | $23,700 | $23,250 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Whitewater, WI
- Student Body
- 9,405 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,158
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,356
- Median Student Debt
- $23,188