Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private nonprofit university in Milwaukee, WI ranked #123 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 2,607 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 60.4%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.2% first-year retention, and 71.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $24,021, about $7,023 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -21.8%, roughly 107.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $75,114. That's about $31,426 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Milwaukee School of Engineering Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates 71.5% of students within six years and keeps 83.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Milwaukee School of Engineering's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $48,421 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,562 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,132 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $60,439 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.7% of Milwaukee School of Engineering students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,869 to $31,207 depending on family income. Use Milwaukee School of Engineering's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,123/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $31,207/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $75,114
- 10-Year Median Earnings $75,114
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $24,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 83.3%
- Employment Rate 96.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Milwaukee School of Engineering vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Milwaukee School of Engineering's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Milwaukee School of Engineering's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates earn $75,114 median, the -21.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,607
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.2%
- Graduation Rate 71.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Milwaukee School of Engineering
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Milwaukee School of Engineering requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 60.4%, Milwaukee School of Engineering is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 60.4% acceptance rate, Milwaukee School of Engineering is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Milwaukee School of Engineering undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee, and Computer Engineering draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 21.6%
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee 15.3%
- Computer Engineering 13.9%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 11.6%
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering 8.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.0%
See more majors
- Civil Engineering 5.1%
- Chemical Engineering 4.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $99,744
- 2. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $97,637
- 3. Construction Management $90,385
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Industrial Engineering $90,239
- 5. Architectural Engineering $88,204
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $87,507
- 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $87,003
- 8. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $85,180
- 9. Management Information Systems and Services $84,381
- 10. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $78,832
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $114,786
- 2. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $90,027
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $99,744—27% more than Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing ($78,832). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $114,786 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Milwaukee School of Engineering. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 127 graduates)
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 82 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 68 graduates)
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (17 programs)â–¼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Construction Management
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Engineering, General
- Human Computer Interaction
- Computer Science
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Civil Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Construction Management
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,607
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 72.2%
- Female Students 27.8%
- Caucasian 69.1%
- Asian 5.1%
- Hispanic 10.7%
- Black 2.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Milwaukee School of Engineering's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Milwaukee School of Engineering's undergraduate population. Women make up 27.8% of the student body, while men represent 72.2%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Milwaukee School of Engineering support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Milwaukee School of Engineering, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 72.2% of undergraduates. About 22.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Milwaukee School of Engineering support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Milwaukee School of Engineering, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Milwaukee School of Engineering offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -21.8% ROI. Ranked #123 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,021 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $75,114 median earnings. With 71.5% graduating within six years and 83.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Milwaukee School of Engineering's Positioning
With a A grade and #123 ranking, Milwaukee School of Engineering competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,021 annually, Milwaukee School of Engineering charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,815 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -21.8% ROI and $75,114 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,021+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Milwaukee School of Engineering ranks #123 of 6272 institutions, with 380 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 71.5% six-year graduation rate sits 9.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.2% first-year retention is 6.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -21.8% return on investment is 107.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $75,114 run about 72% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,021 is roughly $6,903 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 96.1% employment rate within three years sits 27.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,021 is about $6,903 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 22.7% trails the national share by 16.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private nonprofit university based in Milwaukee, WI and earns a A overall grade. It is currently ranked #123 nationally Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (A+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 83.2% retention and 71.5% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -21.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,021 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $60,439.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $36,418 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $75,114 six years after enrollment. That sits about 72% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 96.1%.
The ROI comes in near -21.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
60.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Milwaukee School of Engineering admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Milwaukee, WI 53202-3109
- Website www.msoe.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$75.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate18.1%