University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
About University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UW-Milwaukee is a public research university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is the second-largest university in Wisconsin and offers strong programs in engineering, business, nursing, and the arts in an urban setting.
Founded
1956
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Students
20,920
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
49.3%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,398
Out-of-state: $22,398
Avg Net Price
$15,014
After financial aid
SAT Average
1090
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,990
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Mar 1
Regular
Rolling
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee accepts the majority of applicants at 90.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1090/ 1600
Average: 1090 out of 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
49.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73%
4-Year Grad
23%
6-Year Grad
47%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
63.8%
$/Student
$11.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 23% graduation rate is below average, but 73% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,398
In-State
$22,398
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,684
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$22,756
After Financial Aid
$15,014
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,329
Receive Grants
32.8%
Take Loans
41.5%
The full cost of attendance is about $22,756/yr for in-state students, including $11,684 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,014. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,398.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee fund their education.
While in School
32.8%
Get Grants
Free money
41.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,518
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Gender
55.6%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
16,758
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,162
Graduates
33%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
15.6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 33% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
16,758
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee fields 7 varsity teams with 466 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Horizon League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
466
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
52% / 48%
244
Men
222
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukeeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,990
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Marketing
$46K
258 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
252 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$53K
176 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$38K
172 grads
1yr Earnings
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
$63K
163 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
—
140 grads
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?▾
How much does University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?▾
How much do University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.