University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's published cost of attendance totals $21,014 annually, including $9,277 in-state tuition, $9,200 for room and board, and $400 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $18,516, raising total costs accordingly.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,705 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,228 |
| Room and Board | $8,978 |
| Books and Supplies | $400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$5,155 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,550 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,270 |
| $30–48k | $10,968 |
| $48–75k | $12,766 |
| $75–110k | $18,278 |
| $110k+ | $20,778 |
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's published cost of attendance totals $21,014 annually, including $9,277 in-state tuition, $9,200 for room and board, and $400 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $18,516, raising total costs accordingly. However, the average student pays just $16,948 after financial aid, representing savings of $4,066 from the sticker price.
This net price of $16,948 sits $2,855 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating reasonable affordability within the institution's comparison group. The university's financial aid approach creates meaningful cost reductions while maintaining accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Wisconsin residents benefit from the lower in-state tuition structure, though the net price calculation reflects aid that helps both resident and non-resident students manage costs effectively.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire remain manageable relative to peer institutions and graduate earnings. Median student debt reaches $20,909, just $196 above the peer median of $21,105, indicating borrowing patterns consistent with similar universities.
The debt distribution ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,631 at the 75th percentile, showing reasonable variation in borrowing needs across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 falls within manageable territory, meaning typical graduates can handle loan payments without excessive financial strain.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,300 with monthly payments of $148, representing moderate family contribution beyond student loans. The controlled debt levels support long-term financial stability for graduates, as evidenced by manageable payment-to-income ratios.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The financial investment in University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire education generates solid returns through above-average earnings and controlled debt levels. While graduates earn $2,662 below expectations relative to demographics, they still achieve median earnings of $58,561 that exceed the peer median by $8,445 annually.
This earnings advantage of 16.8% above peer institutions helps offset any concerns about value-added performance. The manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 indicates that loan payments remain sustainable relative to post-graduation income.
Return performance at the 67th percentile demonstrates above-average outcomes on this composite measure of educational investment value. Students benefit from predictable costs through moderate aid targeting and controlled borrowing patterns.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's aid strategy creates moderate cost relief while serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. The $4,066 average savings from sticker price to net cost indicates targeted rather than universal aid distribution.
With 18.7% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution serves a moderate share of lower-income students compared to regional peers. The aid structure supports accessibility while maintaining revenue sustainability, as evidenced by net prices that remain reasonable compared to peer institutions.
Financial aid effectiveness shows in the progressive cost structure, where low-income families pay less than half the amount charged to high-income families. The university's approach balances access with fiscal responsibility, creating opportunities for students from various economic backgrounds without relying heavily on steep discount strategies.
