Analysis
UW-Oshkosh business graduates earn $57,853 in their first year—roughly $10,000 more than the typical Wisconsin business graduate and $3,000 above even the 75th percentile nationally. That's remarkable performance from a school with an 87% admission rate, placing it ahead of more selective programs statewide. While debt estimates based on similar Wisconsin programs suggest around $25,675 at graduation, those strong earnings create a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio that looks better than most peer institutions.
The caveat here is that we're working with estimated debt figures rather than actual outcomes for UW-Oshkosh business graduates specifically. But even using the higher statewide median debt of $26,848 would still leave this program competitive. What matters is that first-year earnings of nearly $58,000 provide meaningful cushion regardless of the exact debt load, and the program consistently outperforms both state and national benchmarks by wide margins.
For parents weighing options, UW-Oshkosh's business program appears to deliver strong value despite the limited certainty around debt. The earnings advantage over other Wisconsin programs—including larger flagships like UW-Milwaukee—suggests something about placement, curriculum, or employer relationships is working well. Just verify actual aid packages and expected debt with the financial aid office before committing, since estimates can only tell part of the story.
Where University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,212 | $57,853 | — | $25,675* | — | |
| $32,794 | $52,065 | — | —* | — | |
| $8,250 | $49,965 | $57,999 | $25,675* | 0.51 | |
| $7,855 | $45,679 | $55,620 | $20,996* | 0.46 | |
| $10,020 | $45,570 | $53,324 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| $34,850 | $45,413 | $54,284 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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-Oshkosh, approximately 16% 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.