University of Wisconsin-Madison
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$44,820
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$26,275/yr
vs 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 break-even timeline is short. The in-state tuition is $11,205. The difference between one-year earnings and tuition is $42,174.
The university has high retention and graduation rates. The retention rate is 94.5%, and the graduation rate is 89.3%. The university has a 43.4% acceptance rate and a student population of 35,665.
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
$0
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% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $44,820 | $86,244 | 2187% |
| Biology, General. | $44,820 | $56,314 | 851% |
| Political Science and Government. | $44,820 | $56,465 | 858% |
| Public Health. | $44,820 | $0 | N/A |
| Mathematics. | $44,820 | $83,357 | 2058% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $44,820 | $50,226 | 579% |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | $44,820 | $0 | N/A |
| Journalism. | $44,820 | $56,265 | 849% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $44,820 | $73,330 | 1610% |
Peer Comparison
1072%
20yr ROI
669%
20yr ROI
662%
20yr ROI
692%
20yr ROI
1349%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.