Return on Investment Analysis

University of Wisconsin-Madison ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of Wisconsin-Madison degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison is 1.7 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of Wisconsin-Madison is $44,820 ($11,205 per year). 22% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates 5 years after enrollment is $61,275. This is $26,275 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Wisconsin-Madison costs about $44,820 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $61,275 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 1.7 years (20-year ROI: 1072%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$44,820

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$26,275/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

1.7 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

1072%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a strong return on investment. The median debt for graduates is $20,484. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $53,379. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $61,275, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $73,792.

The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt of $20,484 is a small fraction of the one-year earnings of $53,379. The debt is paid off quickly.

The break-even timeline is short. With in-state tuition at $11,205, the initial investment is quickly recouped. The high earnings potential, combined with relatively low debt, suggests a positive financial outcome for graduates.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$11,205

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,484

Median Earnings (5yr)

$61,275

Graduation Rate

89%

Receive Financial Aid

22%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$44,820	$97,595	2693%
Economics	$44,820	$69,594	1444%
Psychology, General	$44,820	$52,087	662%
Biology, General	$44,820	$56,314	851%
Mathematics	$44,820	$83,357	2058%
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	$44,820	$46,193	399%
Finance and Financial Management Services	$44,820	$157,542	5368%
Public Health	$44,820	$71,766	1541%
Political Science and Government	$44,820	$56,465	858%
Communication and Media Studies	$44,820	$50,226	579%
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics	$44,820	$52,001	659%
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies	$44,820	$45,721	378%
Mechanical Engineering	$44,820	$111,428	3310%
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology	$44,820	$81,629	1981%
Fine and Studio Arts	$44,820	$39,953	121%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering	$44,820	$120,214	3702%
Journalism	$44,820	$56,265	849%
Marketing	$44,820	$144,748	4797%
Social Work	$44,820	$55,907	833%
Accounting and Related Services	$44,820	$87,269	2232%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$44,820	$73,330	1610%
Statistics	$44,820	$0	N/A
Neurobiology and Neurosciences	$44,820	$0	N/A
Business/Commerce, General	$44,820	$142,156	4682%

Peer Comparison

University of Wisconsin-Madison Current

1072%

20yr ROI

Rutgers University-Camden

669%

20yr ROI

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

662%

20yr ROI

Rutgers University-Newark

692%

20yr ROI

University of Maine at Fort Kent

1349%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$44,820

Median Debt$20,484

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$44,820

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of Wisconsin-Madison has an estimated 20-year ROI of 1072%. The total 4-year cost is $44,820 and graduates earn a median of $61,275 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of Wisconsin-Madison degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of Wisconsin-Madison?

What do University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn?

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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