University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$40,080
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,851/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
441%
Return on investment
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,020
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,851
Graduation Rate
50%
Receive Financial Aid
44%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $40,080 | $44,158 | 357% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $40,080 | $43,995 | 349% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $40,080 | $38,900 | 95% |
| Marketing. | $40,080 | $56,157 | 956% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $40,080 | $71,297 | 1711% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $40,080 | $57,876 | 1042% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $40,080 | $81,579 | 2224% |
| Biology, General. | $40,080 | $41,925 | 246% |
| Information Science/Studies. | $40,080 | $63,965 | 1345% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $40,080 | $66,918 | 1493% |
| Education, General. | $40,080 | $44,161 | 357% |
| Social Work. | $40,080 | $57,498 | 1023% |
Peer Comparison
441%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
426%
20yr ROI
535%
20yr ROI
291%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.