University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
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 Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead: 91/100 to 72/100, a 19-point edge over University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. 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 Wisconsin-Eau Claire runs $16,550 a year against $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison - $804 more a year, or about $3,216 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn a median $73,792 against $58,561 at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The cost earns itself back in 5.4 years at University of Wisconsin-Madison and 8.8 years at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Wisconsin-Madison owing a median $20,484 versus $20,909 at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.52 - 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 Wisconsin-E... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,603 | $9,642 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $42,103 | $19,228 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,354 | $16,550 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,416 | $66,200 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,600 | $40,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $73,792 | $58,561 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.5% | 63.8% |
| Payback Period | 5.4 yr | 8.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,484 | $20,909 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $222 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 87.8% | 83.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 87.3% | 82.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 45.2% | 82.3% |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 8,895 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Wiscon... | University of Wiscon... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,200 | $10,270 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $4,101 | $10,968 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,134 | $12,766 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,763 | $18,278 |
| $110,001+ | $27,292 | $20,778 |
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 Wiscon... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $119,655 | $106,724 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $107,207 | $75,724 |
| International Business | $106,783 | $70,219 |
| Mathematics | $101,438 | $83,027 |
| Accounting | $101,390 | $83,018 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $100,005 | $66,606 |
| Marketing | $96,148 | $70,891 |
| Management Information Systems | $73,506 | $90,193 |
| Physics | $77,380 | $87,033 |
| Registered Nursing | $85,579 | $78,912 |
| Economics | $85,366 | $69,435 |
| Journalism | $75,967 | $48,173 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $74,963 | $53,907 |
| Biology | $69,005 | $59,937 |
| Chemistry | $64,734 | $66,246 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Wiscon... | University of Wiscon... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 76 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 70 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 86 | 69 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 96 | 66 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 91 | 83 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 72 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Wisconsin-Madison clearly outperforms University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (91 vs 72), a 19-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Fair 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.