University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($73,792 vs $69,020). University of Wisconsin-Madison recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 2 yrs vs 2.3 yrs).
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-MadisonWI | University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMN |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $73,792 | $69,020 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 2 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $17,354 | $16,778 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $28,679 | $30,061 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 78.9% | 75.2% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 89.5% | 85.3% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 96.2% | 91.1% |
| Admission rate | 45.2% | 79.8% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,484 | $19,500 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 36,902 | 31,855 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 6.8 | 6.8 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Wisconsin-Madison recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 2 yrs vs 2.3 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Wisconsin-Madison's average net price is $17,354 per year and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's is $16,778 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.