Compare 10 Public Finance. programs in Wisconsin. Average earnings: $67,553.
With top graduates earning $86,244, Public Finance stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $19K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Public Finance program leads with graduates earning $86,244, while Marquette University follows closely at $85,623. The average across Wisconsin's 10 programs is $67,553, demonstrating how program-level factors drive outcomes more than school reputation alone.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UW-Madison graduates borrow $20,484 and face just a 4.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making top outcomes genuinely accessible.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $86,244 | 404 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Good | |
| #2 | Marquette UniversityPrivate | $85,623 | 141 | $23,940 | Excellent | $45,500 | Manageable |
| #3 | Carthage CollegePrivate | $71,551 | 44 | $26,000 | Excellent | $42,940 | Challenging |
| #4 | Saint Norbert CollegePrivate | $67,747 | 26 | $26,731 | Good | $37,792 | Challenging |
| #5 | $65,752 | 170 | $22,500 | Excellent | $16,958 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $63,865 | 80 | $21,500 | Excellent | $13,500 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $63,822 | 101 | $20,909 | Excellent | $12,452 | Good | |
| #8 | $63,420 | 219 | $23,188 | Excellent | $18,635 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $57,876 | 230 | $23,000 | Good | $16,149 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $49,631 | 19 | $25,750 | Manageable | $24,831 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
