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Is University of Wisconsin-Madison worth it?
A first pass affordability and outcome read for University of Wisconsin-Madison, using national average inputs. Run your own numbers for a personalized score.
Worth-It Score
Affordable
University of Wisconsin-Madison lands in the affordable band for a typical family. Graduates earn a median of $73,792 ten years after enrolling, and that makes the median debt of $20,484 more manageable than it looks at first glance. For context, University of Wisconsin-Madison's net price is about 8% above the typical 4-year, public school. On the numbers alone, this school clears the bar comfortably.
Is the price fair?
Compared to 774 similar 4-year, public schools
This school
$14,216
/yrAverage school like this
$13,155
/yrNet price is slightly above average
You'd pay about $1,062 more per year than the typical student at a similar school. Over 4 years that's roughly $4,000 in extra cost.
Score breakdown
The public version of the score weighs affordability, after graduation outcomes, and repayment burden.
Affordability
40% weight
The yearly net price sits in a range that leaves more room for family cash flow and lower borrowing.
Outcome
40% weight
Graduation and earnings data create a stronger long-run payoff picture.
Repayment
20% weight
Median debt stays in a more comfortable repayment range for a typical graduate.
The numbers behind the score
Median net price per year
$17,354
Median earnings 10 years out
$73,792
Median debt at graduation
$20,484
Graduation rate
89%
At University of Wisconsin-Madison, a typical graduate carries about $20,484 in student debt and earns roughly $73,792 ten years after enrolling. On a standard 10-year repayment plan, that works out to about $233 per month, or 4% of pre-tax income. That sits inside a borrower comfort range for many graduates.
What this means for your family
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public four year school in Madison, WI. For many families, the key question is whether the published value here beats cheaper in state or regional alternatives once your real aid offer arrives.
Similar schools worth comparing
These schools share a similar sector, geography, or price range.
Public 4-year
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI
Worth-It Score: 64/100
Median net price: $17,490
Public 4-year
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI
Worth-It Score: 71/100
Median net price: $16,550
Public 4-year
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI
Worth-It Score: 75/100
Median net price: $16,210
Public 4-year
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI
Worth-It Score: 70/100
Median net price: $16,032
Public 4-year
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
Worth-It Score: 63/100
Median net price: $15,014
Common questions about University of Wisconsin-Madison
The median net price at University of Wisconsin-Madison is $17,354 per year. That is the average yearly price after typical grant aid for students in the public federal data, not the published sticker price.
Get your personalized Worth-It score
National averages are a starting point. Plug in your actual aid offer, intended major, and family situation to get a score that reflects your specific picture.
Looking at public universities options in Wisconsin? See the most affordable public universities in Wisconsin →
The Worth-It Score weighs affordability (40%), after graduation outcomes (40%), and repayment burden (20%). Underlying data points come from publicly available federal higher education reporting. See full methodology →