Economics at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee's economics program starts graduates well below where most Wisconsin economics programs do, lagging about $7,000 behind the state median in year one. While the program lands in the 40th percentile statewide, it trails every comparable UW System school—Oshkosh graduates earn $13,000 more, and even fellow regional campuses like Eau Claire and La Crosse substantially outperform Milwaukee. Nationally, the picture is similar, with first-year earnings falling in just the 22nd percentile.

The positive story here is debt management and trajectory. At $27,000, student loan burdens run below both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. More encouragingly, earnings jump 33% by year four to $59,000—that growth rate suggests the degree opens doors even if the starting salary disappoints. For context, this endpoint approaches what top Wisconsin programs deliver right out of the gate.

This program makes most sense for students who need an accessible entry point (88% admission rate) and can weather a slower financial start. The low debt provides breathing room during those early years, and the earnings trajectory shows the credential eventually pays off. But families should understand they're accepting below-average starting outcomes compared to other Wisconsin options, banking on future growth rather than immediate returns.