How to get into Milwaukee School of Engineering
How to get into MSOE: a private engineering and computing university with a 90%+ co-op participation rate
58.9%
Acceptance rate
$50,480
In-state cost
What makes Milwaukee School of Engineering admissions different
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a small (around 2,700 undergraduates) private engineering university in downtown Milwaukee. Acceptance rate around 59%. MSOE is almost entirely STEM-focused (engineering, computer science, nursing, business). The co-op program is nearly universal — students alternate semesters of full-time paid work at regional employers (Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual). MSOE built a Rosie supercomputer in 2019 and has one of the strongest undergraduate AI/ML programs at any small university.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App or MSOE application. Rolling admissions — apply by December 1 for the strongest scholarship consideration.
- 2.
Submit transcripts. MSOE is test-optional but reviews math preparation closely; calculus by senior year is expected for engineering majors.
- 3.
Apply for MSOE's automatic merit awards (Trustee, Presidential, Founder tiers). Awards are based on GPA and test scores.
- 4.
Apply for the Heritage Scholarship (top competitive award) by the December deadline if your stats qualify.
- 5.
Indicate interest in the Honors Program on the application.
- 6.
Plan for co-op — it's nearly universal at MSOE and starts as early as the summer after sophomore year.
- 7.
File the FAFSA. Wisconsin residents may qualify for the Wisconsin Tuition Grant (private college aid).
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Underestimating the math preparation expectation. MSOE is engineering-focused and admissions reads math preparation hard.
- ✕
Missing the December scholarship priority date. Rolling does not mean unlimited.
- ✕
Treating co-op as optional. At MSOE the co-op pipeline is the value — plan to do it.
- ✕
Skipping the Wisconsin Tuition Grant if you're a Wisconsin resident at a private college.
The specifics for Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application deadlines
- Priority ApplicationDecember 1, 2025Strongest scholarship consideration
- Heritage ScholarshipDecember 1, 2025Top competitive award
- Rolling DecisionThrough spring 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Near-universal co-op
Over 90% of MSOE students participate in co-op — alternating semesters of full-time paid work at regional employers (Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual).
Rosie supercomputer and AI/ML focus
MSOE built the Rosie supercomputer (an NVIDIA DGX system) in 2019 to support undergraduate AI/ML research. One of the strongest undergraduate AI programs at any small university.
Notable scholarships at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Heritage Scholarship
Top competitive merit award.
Wisconsin Tuition Grant (state-administered)
Wisconsin residents at private colleges.
What graduates actually do
MSOE is a private, focused engineering and applied science university in downtown Milwaukee with extremely high placement rates (typically 95%+) into Wisconsin and Midwest manufacturing, automation, and engineering firms. Major employers of MSOE graduates include Rockwell Automation, GE Healthcare, Northwestern Mutual, Harley-Davidson, and Johnson Controls. The university's biomedical and software engineering programs are particularly strong, with the Rosenberg Hall AI/computer science facility (funded by Diane Hendricks) emphasizing emerging tech.
Notable alumni
- Ray Stata — Co-founder, Analog Devices
- John P. Manning — Engineer/business leader
- Tom Barrett — Former Milwaukee Mayor (attended)
Transfer pathway
MSOE accepts transfers each quarter through rolling admissions. Articulation agreements exist with Wisconsin Technical College System institutions, particularly Milwaukee Area Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College, for engineering technology pathways. Engineering transfers typically need a 3.0+ GPA with completed calculus and physics. Up to 60 credits transfer from two-year colleges; MSOE is on a quarter system, so credit conversion is carefully evaluated.
Articulation partners
Milwaukee Area Technical College · Waukesha County Technical College · Madison College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
MSOE is a target for STEM-committed applicants who want a small private engineering school with universal co-op and strong regional industry ties. Most applicants with a 3.3+ GPA and strong math preparation are admitted. The financial decision depends on automatic merit plus federal/state aid.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.