UW-Whitewater Puts Quality Education First

Written by Gracie Weston and Jessica Berge

In times of uncertainty, it seems as if nearly everything is up for debate—including the value of higher education. That’s why the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is doubling down on what matters most: providing students with a quality education that leads to real-world success.

Through a series of prestigious accreditations and a student-focused approach, the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is proving that the value of higher education is not just a promise—it’s a measurable outcome.

Accreditation as a Commitment to Student Success

Few institutions go to the lengths UW-Whitewater has to demonstrate quality. Accreditation is more than a badge—it’s a rigorous, ongoing process of review, improvement, and proof that programs meet the highest standards globally.

UW-Whitewater CoBE holds dual accreditation in both business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction earned by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. This places UW-Whitewater in elite company and signals to students and families that their investment will pay off.

“Achieving AACSB accreditation in both Business and Accounting—an honor held by just 1% of business schools globally—demonstrates our strategic commitment to excellence,” said Paul Ambrose, Dean of the College of Business and Economics. “It ensures that every student we graduate is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to lead in a complex and competitive world.”

The Rare Dual Accounting Advantage

Of the thousands of business programs worldwide, fewer than 200 institutions hold AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting—a mark of excellence that demands independent audits of both program areas. This ensures students benefit from depth and rigor in two of the most in-demand fields in business.

Global Quality Through EFMD Membership

In addition to AACSB, the college is also part of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) community—a European-based, globally respected organization that emphasizes internationalization, corporate connection, and academic excellence. UW-Whitewater is one of only 27* universities in the United States to carry this dual global distinction (*at time of release).

Backed by a Host of Prestigious Accreditations

Beyond AACSB and EFMD, UW-Whitewater CoBE is also accredited or recognized by several respected organizations across multiple disciplines:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program (Finance)
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation (Information Technology programs)
• National Security Agency (NSA)/Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designation as a Center of Academic Excellence (Cybersecurity)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Alignment (Human Resources)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

These accreditations and partnerships reinforce the college’s commitment to academic excellence, professional readiness, and ethical leadership.

The ROI Is Real

As students and their families face decisions about whether to invest in higher education, it's critical that they are equipped with information that speaks to the impact of that investment—especially in terms of earnings potential.

To better understand the long-term financial benefits of a UW-Whitewater education, the Fiscal and Economic Research Center (FERC) conducted a comprehensive study and survey of alumni spanning 20 years of graduating classes. The results speak volumes about the value of a UWW degree. The study found that UW-Whitewater graduates are thriving in their careers and achieving rapid returns on their educational investment, far surpassing the national average.

The average income of seasoned graduates from the classes of 1982 to 2015 is $97,500, more than double the income of high school graduates. To put this into perspective, the median income for 25-54 year-old high school graduates in 2022 was $46,208. UWW alumni consistently earn more, with a significant advantage in both career success and financial stability.

Not only are the earnings impressive, but the rate of return on the cost of a UWW degree is competitive relative to other investments. For the UWW class of 1995, the rate of return on their college investment took 10.3 years. For graduates in 2015, that had decreased to just 8.4 years, much faster than the national average of 13 years.

But the impact of a UWW degree goes beyond individual earnings. According to the study, graduates from 1995 to 2015 contribute more than $3 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy. Additionally, these alumni collectively pay over $145 million more in state taxes each year compared to high school graduates, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of higher education on both the individual and the state.

Beyond ROI, the conversation often turns to future employment prospects. In higher education, employability is typically measured by placement rates. At UWW, an annual survey of CoBE’s 2024 graduates shows that 97% are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation—an impressive figure, especially compared to the 75% national average.

Value That Lasts Beyond College

While public conversations may continue to question the value of a college degree, UW-Whitewater’s findings make one thing clear: a UWW education delivers tangible, lasting returns. From enhanced lifetime earnings for its graduates to significant economic contributions for the state of Wisconsin, the benefits of a UW-Whitewater degree extend far beyond the classroom.

In addition to measurable outcomes like earnings and economic impact, a UW-Whitewater education equips students with critical life skills—such as strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, effective communication, and technology management—that empower them to lead with confidence and integrity. These capabilities, cultivated through the College of Business and Economics, make a degree from UW-Whitewater not just valuable, but transformative.

The story of elite accreditation is just one piece of the puzzle. Through rigorous standards, global credentials, and an unwavering focus on student success, UW-Whitewater is proving every day that investing in education is not just a promise—it’s a rewarding reality. Learn more by visiting uww.edu/cobe.