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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 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-Whitewater | $49,965 | $57,999 | +16% |
| Saint Norbert College | $44,827 | $57,652 | +29% |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | $45,679 | $55,620 | +22% |
| Edgewood College | $45,413 | $54,284 | +20% |
| Ripon College | $43,757 | $53,748 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (12 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $49,965 | $57,999 | $25,675 | 0.51 |
 University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh | $8,212 | $57,853 | — | — | — |
 Alverno CollegeMilwaukee | $32,794 | $52,065 | — | — | — |
 University of Wisconsin-ParksideKenosha | $7,855 | $45,679 | $55,620 | $20,996 | 0.46 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $45,570 | $53,324 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 Edgewood CollegeMadison | $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-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.