Understanding University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Tuition and Fees

Planning for college expenses is a crucial part of the application process. Understanding the costs associated with attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and the financial aid options available is the first step toward managing college costs. UWM believes a college education should be accessible to all, and by investing in your future here, you gain knowledge and experiences that can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher earning potential and a competitive edge in the workforce.

Cost of Attendance: The Sticker Price

The "Cost of Attendance" is the total amount of money the average student has to pay, without any financial aid, to attend a particular school. Think of it as a school’s sticker price. As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost, which includes the sticker price plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.

The Cost of Attendance breakdown for UWM differs depending on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. In-state students can expect lower costs for tuition and fees. Because UWM is a public institution, out-of-state students pay more.

Here's a breakdown of the sticker price:

In-State Tuition: \$10,915 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: \$23,515 per year
Books and Supplies: \$800 per year
Personal Expenses: \$2,000 per year
Transportation: \$1,676 per year

Net Price: What You Actually Pay

The Cost of Attendance listed above might be intimidating. The Net Price is the total cost minus the total aid given. In other words, this is the price you have to pay to the school out of pocket. Your net price is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. The average net price is \$16,551 per year. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Financial Aid: Making College Affordable

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants and Scholarships: Grants and scholarships are better than loans because students don’t ever have to pay them back. Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation. Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.
- Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students): \$7,280
Loans: Loans must be paid back. How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate. At UWM, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$23,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is \$244.
- Need-Based Loan Amount: \$3,918
Work-Study: Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Financial Aid Details at UWM

Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 70.42%
Average Aid Packages Awarded: \$9,436

Important Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: Not available. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Priority Application Due: Not available. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
Notification Date: Not available. When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due: Not available. The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Student Loan Debt

At University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $23,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $244. The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $33,853.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment.

Additional Opportunities for Reduced Tuition

Minnesota-Wisconsin Tuition Reciprocity Agreement: The Minnesota-Wisconsin Tuition Reciprocity Agreement allows Minnesota residents attending Wisconsin institutions to receive a special rate. If you wish to take advantage of this agreement, apply for certification as a Minnesota resident through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Midwest Tuition: Midwest Tuition is available to residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota.
Milwaukee Advantage Program (MAP): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota students are eligible to receive an additional \$1,000 award each year through the Milwaukee Advantage Program (MAP). MAP is offered for Fall and Spring semesters. Must be enrolled full-time in order to be eligible. Falling below full-time status will result in cancellation of the award.

Other Fees

The amounts listed on these fee schedules do not include any special course fees, distance education fees, or differential tuition that will be charged in addition to normal tuition. (Differential tuition or special course fees are a flat or per unit/credit fee that is added on top of regular tuition for a class section.) Segregated fees are included in the tuition rates. Students enrolling exclusively in Fee in Lieu of Tuition (FILT) classes are not charged segregated fees and will not be able to use some campus facilities or obtain a University bus pass. If you fall into this category, but want full access to all campus facilities, you may pay an additional fee based on the number of credits taken.

Mandatory/Segregated Fees: The segregated fee is a part of the total amount paid to the University by students taking credit classes. Students carrying less than eight credits during the fall and spring semesters (six credits during the summer semester) pay a pro-rated fee. The amount to be assessed is determined in part by the Student Association and in part by the Chancellor. These funds are earmarked for the support of certain student services.
UPASS: A UPASS is a semester/ summer long pass for unlimited free use of local area commuter bus service.

On-Campus Housing and Meal Plans

On-campus housing is available on the main campus in Milwaukee. Students living on campus have three meal plans to choose from. On-campus housing is available in Milwaukee for First-Year Bridge Program, bachelor’s and graduate students.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program

UWM is G.I. Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Estimating Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The US government has come up with a standardized way to calculate how much a typical family can afford to pay without help. This tool will calculate your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. Colleges use this number as a guideline to decide how much aid to give you, but it's just a guideline. If the Net Price is higher than the EFC, the school will cost more than you can typically afford.

Is UWM a Good Value?

As a regional school, UWM may not be a household name nationwide, but it's known to people in the local area as a solid school. Overall, UWM is a decent value, and going to college here will likely pay off over time.

Next Steps

Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for loans. Then, browse federal and private financing options that fit your financial circumstances. To meet UWM's admission requirements, you'll need to have competitive SAT/ACT scores and a good GPA. Get a better idea of costs and aid availability at similar schools. If you’re interested in UWM, you should check out some other high-value schools that could give you more bang for your buck.

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