Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Wisconsin-Superior
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Superior's business program graduates face a steep uphill battle against other Wisconsin options. While the $24,000 debt load is reasonable and the debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable at 0.53, graduates earn about $46,000—roughly $6,500 less than the typical Wisconsin business graduate. That gap matters: across 37 business programs in the state, this one ranks in just the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten Wisconsin business programs deliver higher earnings. The flat earnings trajectory from year one to year four suggests limited room for rapid advancement.
The comparison to Wisconsin's flagship programs is particularly stark. UW-Madison business grads earn $67,700, nearly 50% more, while even regional competitors like UW-Oshkosh ($57,800) significantly outpace Superior's outcomes. You're paying similar debt levels but receiving substantially different returns depending on which Wisconsin campus your child attends.
For families committed to staying in northern Wisconsin or prioritizing UW-Superior's small-school environment, this program delivers modest earnings with manageable debt. But if strong career outcomes drive the decision, exploring other UW System campuses or Wisconsin business programs would likely prove more rewarding. The 94% admission rate suggests Superior isn't a fallback option for lack of alternatives—make sure the choice reflects genuine fit rather than convenience.
Where University of Wisconsin-Superior Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations 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-Superior graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Superior | $45,999 | $46,203 | $24,158 | 0.53 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $67,699 | $81,952 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
| Marquette University | $63,285 | $73,164 | $26,633 | 0.42 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | $60,187 | — | — | — |
| Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | $59,693 | $56,566 | $37,315 | 0.63 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $57,809 | $63,085 | $25,000 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations 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 | $67,699 | $20,500 |
| Marquette University Milwaukee | $48,700 | $63,285 | $26,633 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee | $48,421 | $60,187 | — |
| Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Green Bay | $11,982 | $59,693 | $37,315 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh | $8,212 | $57,809 | $25,000 |
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-Superior, 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 81 graduates with reported earnings and 84 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.