Rockford University vs. UWM

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, IL with University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (22,450 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 17:1.

Rockford University vs. UWM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University or UWM? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee than Rockford University ($16,263 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 2.3% lower than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee ($11,420 vs. $11,684).
• Rockford University is 263.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UWM (about $27,382 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $10,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.7% higher at Rockford University than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (about $15,382 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $22,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 304.5% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Milwaukee students ($25,671 vs. $6,347).

Rockford University vs. UWM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford University or UWM? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UWM and Rockford University.

• Incoming UWM students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; UWM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UWM Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at UWM (3.16).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than UWM (90.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 23.8% at UWM.

Rockford University vs. UWM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University and UWM? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Wisconsin Milwaukee's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee graduates have a $42 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($24,958 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and Rockford University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More UWM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.