Biomedical/Medical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Milwaukee's biomedical engineering program produces starting salaries roughly $20,000 below what graduates earn at the state's other three programs—a significant gap that places this program at the 25th percentile statewide. While the debt load is manageable at $29,000, first-year earnings of $50,472 trail both the Wisconsin median ($71,808) and national median ($64,660) by substantial margins. For context, nearby Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates earn $70,090 to start, nearly 40% more.
The tight debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 offers some reassurance, and the program does charge less in debt than most biomedical engineering programs nationwide. However, the earnings deficit is difficult to ignore. Your child would be entering one of engineering's most promising fields but starting at a salary closer to general business majors than typical biomedical engineers.
One critical caveat: these figures come from a small cohort (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. If your child has specific reasons to attend UW-Milwaukee—family circumstances, scholarship offers, or particular research opportunities—those factors could outweigh the earnings gap. Otherwise, the other Wisconsin programs deliver substantially better returns at graduation, and given UW-Milwaukee's 88% admission rate, your child likely has competitive options elsewhere.
Where University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
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 graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 13th percentile of all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $50,472 | — | $29,000 | 0.57 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $74,094 | $76,003 | $20,492 | 0.28 |
| Marquette University | $73,526 | $79,984 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | $70,090 | $75,667 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $64,660 | — | $23,246 | 0.36 |
Other Biomedical/Medical Engineering Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $74,094 | $20,492 |
| Marquette University Milwaukee | $48,700 | $73,526 | $27,000 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee | $48,421 | $70,090 | $27,000 |
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, approximately 30% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.