University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee vs University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: which has better ROI?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,220 in 8 years versus 9.1 years at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, on median earnings of $55,548 vs $54,990 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,014 | $14,305 |
| Total net cost | $60,056 | $57,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,990 | $55,548 |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 9.1 yrs | 8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $72,544 | $86,540 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, at $14,305 a year after aid versus $15,014 — a gap of $709 a year, or $2,836 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduates report a median $55,548 ten years after entry, $558 more than the $54,990 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $23,000 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
49% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, against 46% at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.