Milwaukee School of Engineering
The Vibe Check
MSOE has an intense, project-based culture where students are constantly building, coding, or designing in state-of-the-art labs. The small, tight-knit community feels like a collaborative startup where everyone is driven and focused on landing a great job after graduation.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1283
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Average: 27
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
MSOE is a powerhouse for hands-on engineering and applied technology, with a curriculum heavily focused on real-world problem-solving and industry-standard equipment. Professors have extensive industry experience and prioritize practical teaching over abstract theory, leading to strong research opportunities in areas like biomedical engineering and infrastructure improvement.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Milwaukee
Students take advantage of Milwaukee's lively scene by exploring the Historic Third Ward for its art galleries and restaurants, catching a Bucks or Brewers game, and enjoying the city's famous brewery tours and lakefront parks. Campus is steps away from downtown, making it easy to grab coffee, see a concert, or walk along the Lake Michigan trail.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($89,070):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a vibrant downtown area with a visible security presence and well-lit pathways. Milwaukee's city center is generally safe for students, but like any urban environment, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional job placement rates and strong connections with top engineering and tech companies.
- ✓ Highly hands-on, project-based curriculum that prepares students for real-world work from day one.
- ✓ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors with direct industry experience.
- ✓ Prime downtown Milwaukee location offers access to internships, city amenities, and a vibrant social scene.
Cons
- ✗ The curriculum is notoriously rigorous, demanding significant time and a high level of academic commitment.
- ✗ Tuition is high, placing it out of reach for some without substantial financial aid or scholarships.
- ✗ The focus on STEM is intense, with fewer options for students interested in a broad liberal arts experience.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
MSOE is primarily known for its intensive, career-focused programs in engineering, computer science, and business. It has a national reputation for producing graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for the workplace, with a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, co-op experiences, and state-of-the-art technology.
MSOE has an acceptance rate of 60.39%, indicating it is moderately selective. While not as exclusive as some top-tier universities, admission is competitive, especially for popular majors like software and biomedical engineering. Applicants are evaluated on a holistic basis, but strong grades in high-level math and science courses are critical for a strong application.
Campus life at MSOE is highly collaborative and centered around academics, with students frequently working together on projects in labs and study spaces. With a small enrollment of just over 2,600 students, the community is close-knit, and its urban setting allows students to easily access the cultural and social offerings of downtown Milwaukee.
For many students, the financial investment is justified by the strong return on investment. With a 10-year median salary of $89,070 and excellent job placement rates in high-demand fields, graduates are well-positioned to pay off student debt and build successful careers. The value is maximized for students who take full advantage of co-op opportunities and the school's industry connections.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1903
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,627
- In-State Tuition $48,421
- Zip Code 53202
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a median graduate salary of $89,070 after ten years, MSOE offers a strong return on investment that can justify its higher tuition sticker price. The significant gap between the sticker price and the average net price of $24,021 indicates that financial aid packages can make the degree much more affordable for many families.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.