Analysis
UW-Milwaukee's education graduates start just above the state median at $43,867, placing them in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a state known for relatively strong teacher salaries. More impressive is the debt picture: at $31,000, this is one of the lowest-debt education programs nationally (5th percentile), meaning most comparable programs across the country saddle students with significantly more borrowing. The 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for a teaching career.
The challenge is stagnation. With essentially flat earnings growth from year one to year four (just $294 more), graduates aren't climbing the salary ladder early in their careers—though this likely reflects Wisconsin's teacher salary structures rather than program quality. UW-Milwaukee's graduates earn notably less than UW-Platteville's ($50,540), but they're competitive with other state options and well ahead of the national median for education majors.
For families choosing an in-state teaching program in Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee offers reasonable value: predictable starting salaries that align with state standards and significantly lower debt than typical education programs. Just understand that rapid salary growth isn't part of the equation in those first few years post-graduation.
Where University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $43,867 | $44,161 | +1% |
| Brown University | $33,866 | $61,660 | +82% |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $50,540 | $41,733 | -17% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $42,768 | $39,768 | -7% |
| Beloit College | $33,493 | $35,797 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $43,867 | $44,161 | $30,990 | 0.71 |
 University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville | $8,315 | $50,540 | $41,733 | $25,000 | 0.49 |
 University of Wisconsin-Green BayGreen Bay | $8,342 | $42,768 | $39,768 | $23,250 | 0.54 |
 Beloit CollegeBeloit | $58,554 | $33,493 | $35,797 | $24,456 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $38,660 | — | $26,522 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 249 graduates with reported earnings and 258 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.