Business/Commerce at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Whitewater's business program lands solidly in the middle of the pack—above the median but not dramatically so. With first-year earnings of nearly $50,000 and debt under $26,000, graduates face a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin business schools, outperforming the state median by about $4,400 annually. Within four years, earnings climb 16% to $58,000, suggesting steady career progression without the stagnation that plagues some business programs.
The real question is whether "middle of the pack" justifies the investment. Among the 12 Wisconsin business schools tracked, UW-Whitewater sits comfortably ahead of UW-Milwaukee and Edgewood College but trails UW-Oshkosh by nearly $8,000 in starting salary. Given the school's 83% admission rate and accessible profile, it delivers what parents should expect: a reliable path to employment without extraordinary debt or standout earnings potential.
For families seeking an in-state business degree with predictable outcomes, this program works. The debt is reasonable, the earnings growth is consistent, and graduates clear the threshold where student loans feel manageable rather than crushing. Just understand you're paying for steady employment, not a competitive edge in the job market.
Where University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce 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-Whitewater graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all business/commerce 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/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $49,965 | $57,999 | $25,675 | 0.51 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $57,853 | — | — | — |
| Alverno College | $52,065 | — | — | — |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | $45,679 | $55,620 | $20,996 | 0.46 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $45,570 | $53,324 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Edgewood College | $45,413 | $54,284 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh | $8,212 | $57,853 | — |
| Alverno College Milwaukee | $32,794 | $52,065 | — |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha | $7,855 | $45,679 | $20,996 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee | $10,020 | $45,570 | $27,000 |
| Edgewood College Madison | $34,850 | $45,413 | $27,000 |
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-Whitewater, approximately 25% 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 101 graduates with reported earnings and 112 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.