“A private engineering university in downtown Milwaukee where 10 of 16 bachelor programs are in engineering and graduates top Wisconsin for post-graduation earnings.”
The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private nonprofit university founded in 1903, located on a 22-acre urban campus in the East Town neighborhood of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As one of the few universities in the United States dedicated primarily to engineering and applied sciences, MSOE offers 16 bachelor degree programs—10 in engineering fields—along with nine graduate programs. The university operates on a distinctive trimester system with ten-week terms, providing an accelerated and intensive academic experience that prepares students for rapid industry entry. MSOE maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, one of the lowest among engineering-focused private universities, reflecting its commitment to close faculty mentorship and hands-on applied learning. Faculty members are typically working professionals alongside academics, bringing real-world industry insight into the classroom. The institution has earned national recognition as the No. 1 Best College for Veterans in U.S. News and World Report 2026 rankings, and consistently tops Wisconsin institutions for return on investment. Georgetown University research identified MSOE graduates as having the highest median earnings four years after graduation among Wisconsin institutions. For international students, MSOE represents a strategically excellent option: competitive tuition identical for all students, substantial merit scholarships of up to 50% of tuition for high-achieving applicants, a downtown Milwaukee location with strong industry access, and critically, ABET-accredited engineering programs that qualify graduates for the 24-month STEM OPT extension—giving F-1 visa holders three total years of post-graduation work authorization. Students from 36 countries currently attend MSOE, with Saudi Arabia, China, and India among the top sending nations.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Regional Colleges Midwest
US News Best Colleges 2026
Best Colleges for Veterans
US News Best Colleges 2026
Graduate earnings 4 years post-graduation (Wisconsin)
Georgetown University ROI Report
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceRolling Admissions
MSOE accepts applications on a rolling basis; early application recommended for best scholarship consideration
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$50,480
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
The core of MSOE academics. Ten ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering programs prepare students for careers in manufacturing, energy, construction, healthcare technology, and defense.
Applied programs in software, data science, and mathematics with strong industry placement in Milwaukee and Chicago tech sectors.
Business programs blended with engineering and technology context, preparing graduates for engineering management, project leadership, and entrepreneurship roles.
BSN program with clinical partnerships at major Milwaukee-area hospital systems including Froedtert Health and Aurora Health.
4 years
ABET-accredited. One of MSOE's flagship programs, combining thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and machine design with hands-on laboratory and project-based learning. Strong placement in manufacturing, automotive, and energy sectors.
4 years
ABET-accredited program integrating engineering principles with life sciences. Graduates pursue careers in medical device companies, hospital biomedical departments, and graduate research. STEM OPT eligible.
4 years
Hands-on software development program covering systems architecture, agile methods, cybersecurity, and full-stack development. Graduates enter Milwaukee and remote tech employment with strong median salaries.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $50,480
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
