University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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: University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign come out about even on financial return. University of Wisconsin-Madison scores 91/100 and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scores 93/100 - 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, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign runs $14,355 a year against $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison - $2,999 more a year, or about $11,996 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn a median $81,054 against $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The cost earns itself back in 5.4 years at University of Wisconsin-Madison and 4.3 years at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign owing a median $19,500 versus $20,484 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.37 - 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 | University of Wisconsin-M... | University of Illinois Ur... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,603 | $16,004 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $42,103 | $35,124 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,354 | $14,355 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,416 | $57,420 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,600 | $52,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $73,792 | $81,054 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.5% | 85.1% |
| Payback Period | 5.4 yr | 4.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,484 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.37 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 87.8% | 82.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 87.3% | 81.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 45.2% | 42.4% |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 36,258 |
| SAT Range | 1380-1520 | 1310-1520 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Wiscon... | University of Illino... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,200 | $2,038 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $4,101 | $5,373 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,134 | $7,982 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,763 | $15,152 |
| $110,001+ | $27,292 | $28,761 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Wiscon... | University of Illino... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $120,068 | $159,855 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $119,655 | $146,946 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $107,207 | $119,978 |
| Management Information Systems | $73,506 | $116,339 |
| Nuclear Engineering | $102,449 | $116,047 |
| Electrical Engineering | $95,059 | $111,783 |
| Industrial Engineering | $110,711 | $103,143 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $100,005 | $107,904 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $106,521 | $104,172 |
| Statistics | $99,210 | $105,978 |
| Chemical Engineering | $101,676 | $104,317 |
| Mathematics | $101,438 | $78,891 |
| Accounting | $101,390 | $101,098 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $99,762 | $97,926 |
| Materials Engineering | $91,265 | $97,924 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Wiscon... | University of Illino... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 97 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 86 | 90 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 96 | 93 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 91 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 93 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign edges out University of Wisconsin-Madison by 2 points (93 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.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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.