University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Maryland-College Park
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
On the numbers, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead: 94/100 to 91/100, a 3-point edge over University of Wisconsin-Madison. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Maryland-College Park runs $15,678 a year against $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison - $1,676 more a year, or about $6,704 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn a median $82,860 against $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The cost earns itself back in 5.4 years at University of Wisconsin-Madison and 4.2 years at University of Maryland-College Park.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Maryland-College Park owing a median $19,000 versus $20,484 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.38 - 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 Maryland-Co... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,603 | $11,809 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $42,103 | $41,186 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,354 | $15,678 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,416 | $62,712 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,600 | $50,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $73,792 | $82,860 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.5% | 88.6% |
| Payback Period | 5.4 yr | 4.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,484 | $19,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $201 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.38 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 87.8% | 85.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 87.3% | 83.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 45.2% | 44.8% |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 30,760 |
| SAT Range | 1380-1520 | 1400-1530 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Wiscon... | University of Maryla... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,200 | $2,962 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $4,101 | $6,051 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,134 | $10,273 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,763 | $18,250 |
| $110,001+ | $27,292 | $26,691 |
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 Maryla... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $120,068 | $152,422 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $119,655 | $144,501 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $106,521 | $111,649 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $107,207 | $110,648 |
| Electrical Engineering | $95,059 | $107,834 |
| International Business | $106,783 | $90,333 |
| Chemical Engineering | $101,676 | $102,149 |
| Mathematics | $101,438 | $99,689 |
| Accounting | $101,390 | $97,314 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $100,005 | $86,590 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,114 | $100,003 |
| Materials Engineering | $91,265 | $97,714 |
| Marketing | $96,148 | $93,782 |
| Agricultural Engineering | $78,368 | $93,440 |
| Civil Engineering | $87,691 | $93,280 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Wiscon... | University of Maryla... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 96 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 97 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 86 | 89 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 96 | 95 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 91 | 87 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 94 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Maryland-College Park edges out University of Wisconsin-Madison by 3 points (94 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 Maryland-College Park
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.