UWM student with parents at Panther Prowl

Nothing is more important to you than your child. We get it. At UWM, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help every one of our students succeed — in school and after graduation.

Right now, you probably have a lot of questions: How much will this cost? Can I afford it? Will my child get a job after graduation? Will they be happy at UWM? How safe is the city? Let’s tackle each of these.

Have a Question?

We’re here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out — someone will get back to you shortly.


How much will UWM cost?

Tuition for in-state students is very affordable — $9,836 per year. Tuition for out-of-state students varies, but for many students in the Midwest, going to UWM won’t cost much more than going to school in their home state. A breakdown of tuition rates is available here. Keep in mind that students from Illinois and Minnesota are eligible for an additional $1,000 discount through the Milwaukee Advantage Program.

Of course, tuition isn’t the only cost. There’s books, meals and housing. Overall, the cost of living in Milwaukee is less than the national average. The city’s housing is particularly affordable, and many students opt to share apartments in the historic neighborhood surrounding UWM’s main campus in Milwaukee after their freshman year. (UWM also has campuses in Waukesha and Washington County that offer associate degrees.) In general, you can estimate the cost of housing at $6,379 and budget $4,190 for meals. For more information on estimated costs, see the estimated cost of attendance from our Bursar’s Office.

Can I afford it?

The answer to this question will be different for each family based on their resources. But here are a few things to consider: 75% of UWM students receive financial aid, with an average award of $9,496 last year. You’ll want to get familiar with the financial aid process and make sure your student fills out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid is usually a combination of loans and need-based grants, but UWM also has scholarships available. Last school year, the university awarded $20.4 million in scholarships to 5,639 students. For Fall 2021, we’ve introduced Chancellor’s Merit Scholarships, which are based on unweighted GPA, provide up to $1,500 per year and are renewable for four years.

Most of our students also work while in school. UWM hires about 3,000 student workers each year and many more students find jobs off campus. We are particularly proud of our internship, co-op and other field placements, as in many cases, these lead to full-time jobs before or after graduation.

Will my child get a job after graduation?

Yes. Our recent graduation survey shows that most UWM students have a job lined up or are working before graduation. The average starting salary is $48,288, and it can be significantly higher in STEM fields.

For most students, UWM plays a key role in finding and obtaining their first job. More than 2,800 companies recruit at UWM each year for internships and permanent jobs. In many cases, UWM students’ first jobs start as internships, and companies offer them permanent positions upon graduation. See a list of companies that employ our graduates on the Career Planning and Resource Center website.

Will my child be happy at UWM?

We hope so! Many students choose UWM because it has “the best of both worlds.” It’s a large university with many course offerings in a major city with restaurants, arts organizations and sports teams. At the same time, UWM’s compact campus fosters a tight-knit community in which students make close friendships. We encourage students to take advantage of campus facilities, such as University Recreation, which offers fitness classes and intramural sports. Its popular Outdoor Pursuits program organizes rock climbing, snowshoeing, camping and other excursions.

Student Involvement includes hundreds of student organizations, leadership programs and the Campus Activities Board. Or, your student may choose a Living Learning Community, where students sharing similar interests live and take classes together. Other students find purpose in undergraduate research, working side by side with faculty members to solve scientific and societal problems, or volunteering in the community through UWM’s Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership, and Research.

Going to college can bring new challenges, as well as opportunities. Your student will have support at UWM from skilled advisors and peer mentors, and access to free tutoring. Coaches from UWM’s Multicultural Student Centers provide culturally sensitive guidance and support throughout students’ academic careers, assisting with everything from the financial aid process to career planning.

Will my child be safe in Milwaukee?

UWM is located in one of Milwaukee’s safest neighborhoods, the upper east side. Nonetheless, we take campus safety seriously. The university has its own police department with more than 35 officers working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They patrol the campus on foot, bicycle and car, and provide services that include self-defense training, jump-starts and help for those locked out of vehicles, and various community policing programs.

Students are automatically signed up for email safety alerts sent by the UWM Police Department, and they can get text messages regarding emergencies and potential threats if they provide a cellphone number.

Students walking at night can get safety escorts to locations within a few blocks of campus, and those going farther can get free rides from Be On The Safe Side (B.O.S.S.).

What if my child gets sick?

Don’t worry. The Student Health and Wellness Center is open year-round and provides a wide array of medical services. University Counseling Services provides mental health care, and wellness events are held regularly on campus. Students also have access to YOU@UWM, a digital well-being program that fosters physical and mental health by providing information, connecting students to campus resources and offering opportunities for self-reflection.

How can I keep up to date with what’s happening at the university?

The Panther Family Portal will keep you informed and connect you with resources at UWM.

UWM total cost of attendance (PDF)