Analysis
UW-Milwaukee's English program graduates earn significantly less than peers at other Wisconsin public universities—sitting in just the 25th percentile statewide. While first-year earnings of $28,690 trail the state median by nearly $6,000, graduates at UW-Green Bay, Eau Claire, and La Crosse all start above $37,000. This gap matters because Wisconsin families often choose between UW System schools with similar tuition costs, and this program underperforms most alternatives.
The positive news is strong earnings growth: the 29% increase from year one to year four suggests graduates find their footing professionally. Debt levels are reasonable at $26,291—actually below the national median for English programs—and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 means first-year obligations are manageable compared to entry salaries. By year four, when earnings reach $36,878, graduates are closer to the state norm.
For families weighing UW-Milwaukee against other Wisconsin options, understand that this program starts behind and catches up gradually. If Milwaukee's urban location or specific faculty are compelling reasons to attend, the modest debt burden and improving trajectory make it workable. But if your student simply wants the strongest English degree within the UW System, several campuses deliver meaningfully better early-career outcomes at similar cost.
Where University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature 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 | $28,690 | $36,878 | +29% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $28,526 | $47,090 | +65% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $37,748 | $44,660 | +18% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $40,812 | $42,430 | +4% |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | $37,586 | $41,851 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 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 | $28,690 | $36,878 | $26,291 | 0.92 |
 University of Wisconsin-Green BayGreen Bay | $8,342 | $40,812 | $42,430 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
 University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire | $9,277 | $39,591 | $40,451 | $23,874 | 0.60 |
 University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse | $9,651 | $37,748 | $44,660 | $23,250 | 0.62 |
 University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls | $8,606 | $37,586 | $41,851 | $24,495 | 0.65 |
 University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh | $8,212 | $34,633 | — | $26,000 | 0.75 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature 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 116 graduates with reported earnings and 136 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.