Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Purdue University-Main Campus and University of Wisconsin-Madison come out about even on financial return. Purdue University-Main Campus scores 91/100 and University of Wisconsin-Madison scores 91/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Purdue University-Main Campus runs $14,600 a year against $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison - $2,754 more a year, or about $11,016 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn a median $73,792 against $72,424 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 5.3 years at Purdue University-Main Campus and 5.4 years at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Purdue University-Main Campus owing a median $19,500 versus $20,484 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 and 0.41 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Purdue University-Main Ca... | University of Wisconsin-M... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,992 | $11,603 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,794 | $42,103 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,600 | $17,354 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $58,400 | $69,416 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,000 | $49,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $72,424 | $73,792 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 89.5% |
| Payback Period | 5.3 yr | 5.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $20,484 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.40 | 0.41 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 85.8% | 87.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 87.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 49.9% | 45.2% |
| Enrollment | 44,503 | 36,902 |
| SAT Range | 1200-1480 | 1380-1520 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Purdue University-Ma... | University of Wiscon... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $5,098 | $4,200 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $6,241 | $4,101 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,438 | $8,134 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,177 | $17,763 |
| $110,001+ | $22,742 | $27,292 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Purdue University-Ma... | University of Wiscon... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $121,462 | $120,068 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $99,896 | $119,655 |
| Industrial Engineering | $107,031 | $110,711 |
| Materials Engineering | $107,557 | $91,265 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,924 | $107,207 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $93,976 | $106,521 |
| Electrical Engineering | $105,396 | $95,059 |
| Chemical Engineering | $104,514 | $101,676 |
| Statistics | $104,047 | $99,210 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $102,572 | $95,114 |
| Nuclear Engineering | $63,226 | $102,449 |
| Mathematics | $58,453 | $101,438 |
| Accounting | $90,119 | $101,390 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $81,040 | $100,005 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $93,434 | $99,762 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Purdue University-Ma... | University of Wiscon... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 92 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 92 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 87 | 86 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 91 | 96 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 88 | 91 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 91 |
The Verdict
It's close. Purdue University-Main Campus edges out University of Wisconsin-Madison by 0 points (91 vs 91), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Purdue University-Main Campus
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.