Whitewater, WI · Private University
Is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$55,356
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,250
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,916
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$71,664
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.09x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
64.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,188
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,785
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates earn $10,356 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ranked by graduate earnings
86 graduates
53 graduates
118 graduates
22 graduates
255 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $78,567) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $29,596) is $48,971/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $78,567 | 4.4x |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $67,876 | 3.8x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $67,874 | 3.8x |
| Economics | $66,835 | 3.7x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $63,420 | 3.5x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $59,087 | 3.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $58,670 | 3.3x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $57,999 | 3.2x |
| Marketing | $57,621 | 3.2x |
| Geography and Cartography | $56,297 | 3.1x |
| Chemistry | $54,746 | 3.1x |
| Public Administration | $54,579 | 3.0x |
| Mathematics | $53,677 | 3.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $51,411 | 2.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $48,323 | 2.7x |
| History | $48,128 | 2.7x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $47,225 | 2.6x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $47,106 | 2.6x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $46,775 | 2.6x |
| Biology, General | $46,673 | 2.6x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations(1yr data) | $45,373 | 2.5x |
| Psychology, General | $45,048 | 2.5x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $44,455 | 2.5x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $44,448 | 2.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $44,094 | 2.5x |
| Journalism | $43,681 | 2.4x |
| Sociology | $43,215 | 2.4x |
| Music | $42,953 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,407 | 2.3x |
| Criminology | $41,285 | 2.3x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $39,741 | 2.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $38,782 | 2.2x |
| Social Work(1yr data) | $37,952 | 2.1x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $34,177 | 1.9x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $29,596 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $55,356 10 years after starting, $10,356 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.5 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.