Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,582
30th percentile (60th in WI)
Median Debt
$27,081
5% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.53
Manageable
Sample Size
268
Adequate data

Analysis

UW-Milwaukee Flex's Information Science program occupies an interesting middle ground: while its graduates earn below the national median by about $7,000 initially, the program actually outperforms most Wisconsin alternatives. At the 60th percentile statewide, it trails only Rasmussen but beats UW-Green Bay by more than $10,000. The debt load of $27,081 is essentially on par with both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that should feel manageable for most graduates within 3-4 years of focused repayment.

The 24% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests solid career progression, with graduates reaching nearly $64,000 by their fourth year out. This trajectory matters more than the initial starting salary, particularly given the program's relatively modest debt burden. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable benchmarks rather than statistical flukes.

For Wisconsin families, this program delivers reasonable value—you're getting median state outcomes without paying premium prices in debt. The national comparison is less flattering, but that may reflect regional cost-of-living differences and the concentration of high-paying tech jobs in coastal markets. If your child plans to stay in Wisconsin after graduation, this program provides a solid foundation in information science at an accessible price point.

Where University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee FlexOther information science/studies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 30th percentile of all information science/studies bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex$51,582$63,965$27,0810.53
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin$64,329$22,6320.35
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$51,582$63,965$27,0810.53
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay$41,041
National Median$58,651$25,7500.44

Other Information Science/Studies Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin
Green Bay
$11,982$64,329$22,632
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
$10,020$51,582$27,081
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay
$8,342$41,041

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 268 graduates with reported earnings and 298 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.