2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin

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The two-year student loan default rate measures how many graduates from the institution go into default on their student loans with two years of graduation. This is a complicated metric with many factors, but in general colleges and universities with high student loan default rates may indicate that students have trouble finding employment or well-paying jobs after college. This may mean that the institution has a less-established reputation with employers or that it graduates a higher percentage of students with degrees in lower-wage fields of study.

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Rank	Institution	Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year)	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Beloit College	0.6	63.04	1,210 – 1,390	24941	41660	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Beloit College Beloit, WI Beloit College’s campus is located next to the Rock River, just north of the Illinois and Wisconsin border. With an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a six-year graduation rate of 73%, Beloit’s most popular major is Psychology, General. Their colors are orange, black, and white, and their mascot is a polar bear. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 0.6 % Acceptance Rate 63.0% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $24,941 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,660
2	Maranatha Baptist University	0.9	70.87	1,040 – 1,300	26001	40403	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WI Found in Watertown, Maranatha Baptist University accepts 71% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 67% of students at Maranatha Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 0.9 % Acceptance Rate 70.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $26,001 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,403
3	University of Wisconsin-Madison	1.1	45.17	1,350 – 1,480	14216	61275	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI The University of Wisconsin, Madison was the first public university in the state – it opened when Wisconsin received statehood in 1848. Their motto is “Numen Lumen” or “Divine Light.” With 40,000 faculty and staff, the university is also the largest employer in Wisconsin....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.1 % Acceptance Rate 45.2% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $14,216 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,275
4	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	1.5	81.22	1,110 – 1,290	13125	49626	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WI Based in La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. Approximately 23% of students attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.5 % Acceptance Rate 81.2% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $13,125 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,626
5	Lawrence University	1.9	63.94	1,190 – 1,410	27393	40653	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Lawrence University Appleton, WI Lawrence University, founded in 1847 as one of the nation’s first coeducational institutions, offers a rigorous liberal arts and sciences education alongside its world-renowned Conservatory of Music....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.9 % Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $27,393 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,653
6	Wisconsin Lutheran College	1.9	78.16	1,130 – 1,340	22809	49095	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lutheran College’s acceptance rate is 78% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Wisconsin Lutheran College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.9 % Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $22,809 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,095
7	Carroll University	2.2	66.84	1,070 – 1,280	25171	54456	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Carroll University Waukesha, WI Located in Waukesha, Carroll University’s acceptance rate is 67%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.2 % Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $25,171 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,456
8	University of Wisconsin-River Falls	2.2	77.82	1,010 – 1,210	15242	46524	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, WI University of Wisconsin, River Falls, opened as the River Falls State Normal School in 1874. In 1971, it joined the state university system. The oldest building on campus, South Hall, dates back to 1898 and is named on the National Register of Historic Places. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.2 % Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,242 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,524
9	Bellin College	2.3	100	1,010 – 1,180	27998	72118	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Bellin College Green Bay, WI Located in Green Bay, Bellin College accepts 100% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students attending Bellin College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.3 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $27,998 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $72,118
10	Saint Norbert College	2.3	85.74	1,080 – 1,310	27236	49775	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Saint Norbert College De Pere, WI Roman Catholic and Norbertine, St. Norbert College’s motto is “Docere Verbo et Exemplo,” which translates to “To teach by word and example.” It awards 100% of students with institutional grants and has an 83% first year retention rate. 75% graduate in four years, 78% in six. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.3 % Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $27,236 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,775
11	Milwaukee School of Engineering	2.4	62.39	1,200 – 1,390	26122	75114	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering’s acceptance rate is 62% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Milwaukee School of Engineering will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 83%....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.4 % Acceptance Rate 62.4% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $26,122 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $75,114
12	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	2.4	87.26	1,040 – 1,240	15966	54825	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI Located in Platteville, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 88% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.4 % Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $15,966 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,825
13	Marquette University	2.7	81.34	1,230 – 1,390	32031	65241	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Marquette University Milwaukee, WI Founded in 1881, by 1909 Marquette University was the first coeducational Catholic university in the world. During the last admissions cycle, the school accepted 15,200 out of 19,000 applications. 14% of these students decided to attend....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.7 % Acceptance Rate 81.3% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $32,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,241
14	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	2.8	90.37	1,040 – 1,240	14347	43371	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI Found in Stevens Point, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point accepts 90% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 83% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.8 % Acceptance Rate 90.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $14,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,371
15	University of Wisconsin-Stout	2.9	87.47	1,040 – 1,280	15574	50251	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Found in Menomonie, the University of Wisconsin-Stout accepts 87% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 29% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.9 % Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $15,574 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,251
16	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay	3	72.89	970 – 1,180	10289	46546	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, WI Found in Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay accepts 73% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 33% of students attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will receive institutional grant aid. 65% of students continued studying at the University......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.0 % Acceptance Rate 72.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $10,289 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,546
17	Viterbo University	3.1	72.43	1,110 – 1,250	23901	56804	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Viterbo University La Crosse, WI Based in La Crosse, Viterbo University accepted 72% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Viterbo University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.1 % Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $23,901 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,804
18	Edgewood College	3.3	94.52	1,040 – 1,210	26692	53843	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Edgewood College Madison, WI Located in Madison, Edgewood College accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at Edgewood College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.3 % Acceptance Rate 94.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,843
19	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	3.3	87.99	1,110 – 1,310	15323	50011	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.3 % Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $15,323 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,011
20	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	3.6	83.77	930 – 1,240	12942	50140	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI Found in Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s acceptance rate is 84% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 27% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. 72% of students continued their studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh after completing their first year....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.6 % Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $12,942 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,140
21	Mount Mary University	3.8	66.34	930 – 1,080	19409	40421	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Mount Mary University Milwaukee, WI Located in Milwaukee, Mount Mary University accepts 66% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.8 % Acceptance Rate 66.3% SAT Score 930 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $19,409 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,421
22	Marian University	3.9	66.77	930 – 1,140	23552	49839	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Marian University Fond Du Lac, WI Located in Fond Du Lac, Marian University accepted 67% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 94% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.9 % Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $23,552 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,839
23	Ripon College	3.9	83.92	1,040 – 1,280	22557	42334	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Ripon College Ripon, WI Found in Ripon, Ripon College accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students attending Ripon College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.9 % Acceptance Rate 83.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $22,557 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,334
24	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	4.1	95.29	970 – 1,210	16499	45851	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee accepts 95% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $56 for graduate applications. Approximately 62% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.1 % Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,851
25	Lakeland University	5.1	91.4	890 – 1,110	22593	49546	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Lakeland University Plymouth, WI Based in Plymouth, Lakeland University accepted 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of students attending Lakeland University will receive grant aid from the school. 67% of students continued their studies at Lakeland University after......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.1 % Acceptance Rate 91.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,593 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,546
26	Northland College	5.3	78.87	1,050 – 1,250	24020	35819	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Northland College Ashland, WI Based in Ashland, Northland College accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students attending Northland College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.3 % Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $24,020 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,819
27	Carthage College	5.5	87.1	1,000 – 1,220	24962	46116	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Carthage College Kenosha, WI Found in Kenosha, Carthage College accepts 87% of applicants and requires $35 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. About 98% of students attending Carthage College currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and its four year graduation rate is......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.5 % Acceptance Rate 87.1% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $24,962 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,116
28	Alverno College	5.8	84.38	890 – 1,110	17884	51755	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Alverno College Milwaukee, WI Based in Milwaukee, Alverno College accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Alverno College currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 61%....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.8 % Acceptance Rate 84.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $17,884 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,755
29	University of Wisconsin-Superior	5.8	77.95	970 – 1,180	13126	41868	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, WI Found in Superior, the University of Wisconsin-Superior accepts 78% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 48% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.8 % Acceptance Rate 78.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,126 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,868
30	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design	6.1	62.8	--	28024	29841	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, WI Based in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design accepted 63% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 6.1 % Acceptance Rate 62.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $28,024 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,841
31	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	6.1	93.68	970 – 1,180	13670	47909	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI The University of Wisconsin, Whitewater offers 88 programs and majors, but many choose to study Business/Commerce, General. During the last admission cycle, the school received 9,320 applications and accepted 8,700. 110 acres of the 400 acre-campus makes up the Nature Preserve with woodlands, prairie, and wetlands. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 6.1 % Acceptance Rate 93.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,670 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,909
32	Concordia University-Wisconsin	6.2	78.19	1,110 – 1,310	28060	49761	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, WI Based in Mequon, Concordia University-Wisconsin accepts 78% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students at Concordia University-Wisconsin currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 78% of students decide to stay at Concordia......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 6.2 % Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $28,060 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,761
33	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	7.8	97.51	950 – 1,220	8778	42154	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, WI Located in Kenosha, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s acceptance rate is 98% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 35% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 68% and around 18% of students will graduate in......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 7.8 % Acceptance Rate 97.5% SAT Score 950 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $8,778 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,154
34	Herzing University-Brookfield	11.7	90.79	--	19425	35295	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Herzing University-Brookfield Brookfield, WI Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 11.7 % Acceptance Rate 90.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,425 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
35	Herzing University-Kenosha	11.7	89.39	--	16286	35295	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Herzing University-Kenosha Kenosha, WI Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 11.7 % Acceptance Rate 89.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,286 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
36	Herzing University-Madison	11.7	94.15	--	20679	35295	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Herzing University-Madison Madison, WI Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 11.7 % Acceptance Rate 94.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
37	Madison Area Technical College	11.7	0	--	12175	40928	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 11.7 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,175 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,928
38	Rasmussen University-Wisconsin	14.5	100	--	17249	59213	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Green Bay, WI Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 14.5 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,249 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
39	Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa	17.6	0	--	14705	27873	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Wisconsin Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa Wauwatosa, WI Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 17.6 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,705 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,873