Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the university among the very best public institutions nationwide for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently outperform peers at similar universities, with particularly strong results for students from all income backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks the University of Wisconsin-Madison among the top public universities nationwide, reflecting its exceptional balance of academic excellence and long-term financial outcomes. As Wisconsin's flagship research institution, UW-Madison combines the resources of a major research university with consistently strong graduate earnings that place it in the 93rd percentile nationally. With nearly 90% of students completing their degrees within six years and median 10-year earnings of $73,792, the university delivers on its promise of academic rigor and career preparation.
What distinguishes UW-Madison is its ability to maintain both selectivity and strong outcomes across a comprehensive range of programs. While access is more limited than at typical public universities—with about 15% of students receiving Pell Grants—those who enroll benefit from exceptional academic resources, extensive alumni networks, and career preparation that consistently leads to above-average earnings. The university's strength spans multiple disciplines, from highly competitive engineering and computer science programs to strong liberal arts and business offerings.
As a large research university in Madison, UW-Madison offers students the full flagship experience: world-class faculty, extensive research opportunities, and a vibrant campus culture. For families who can manage the admissions requirements and moderate debt levels, the university represents one of the strongest long-term investments among public institutions nationwide.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's program portfolio reflects the breadth and depth expected of a major research university, with particular strength in technical fields that drive strong earnings outcomes. Artificial Intelligence leads in aggregate return, graduating 628 students annually with median earnings around $75,282, demonstrating the university's ability to scale high-demand programs effectively. Computer Engineering represents the highest individual earnings at approximately $81,997, while Applied Economics serves as the largest single program with 566 graduates earning competitive salaries around $49,521.
Engineering and computer science programs consistently deliver exceptional financial returns, benefiting from strong industry partnerships and the university's research reputation. Business and economics programs provide solid middle-ground options that combine substantial enrollment with reliable career outcomes. Even programs with lower early-career earnings, such as Audiology at $24,035, often serve as preparation for graduate study and specialized professional careers that develop over time.
As a comprehensive research university, UW-Madison graduates substantial cohorts annually across multiple disciplines, creating meaningful alumni networks and employer relationships. This scale matters for career development—employers actively recruit from UW-Madison knowing they can find qualified candidates across business, engineering, sciences, and liberal arts. The university's reputation and research profile provide graduates with credibility that opens doors throughout their careers, supporting long-term earnings growth beyond the initial job placement.
Graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Madison achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed national averages. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $73,792, placing the university in the 93rd percentile nationally for graduate earnings. This strong performance reflects both the university's academic rigor and its ability to prepare students for high-paying careers across multiple industries, with over 8,000 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, with engineering and computer science leading the way. Computer Engineering graduates earn approximately $81,997 ten years out, representing some of the highest returns in the university's portfolio. Artificial Intelligence programs, which graduate 628 students annually, combine strong enrollment with solid earnings around $75,282, making this field a key economic driver for the institution. Applied Economics, the university's largest program with 566 graduates, provides more moderate but still competitive earnings of $49,521, while specialized fields like Audiology show lower early-career returns at $24,035 but often require graduate study for full career development.
The university's comprehensive program mix supports both immediate career entry and graduate school preparation. Strong alumni networks in major metropolitan areas, particularly in the Midwest and nationally, help graduates access competitive positions in technology, finance, healthcare, and research. UW-Madison's reputation and scale create meaningful employer relationships that benefit students across disciplines, from engineering and business to liberal arts and sciences.
Affordability at the University of Wisconsin-Madison varies significantly by family income, with the university providing substantial support for lower-income students while maintaining predictable costs for middle and upper-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $4,458 annually after aid, well below national averages and reflecting the university's commitment to access despite its selective nature. Middle-income families face annual costs around $9,613, while higher-income families pay about $26,427, representing typical flagship university pricing.
Debt levels are moderate and manageable given the strong earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $20,484 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans average $26,159. With a 0% federal loan default rate, UW-Madison graduates demonstrate exceptional ability to manage their educational investments. The combination of strong earnings potential and moderate debt levels creates favorable long-term financial dynamics for most students.
What makes UW-Madison particularly sustainable is the relationship between borrowing and earning capacity. With median 10-year earnings near $74,000, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building wealth over time. The university's strong career services, extensive alumni networks, and employer relationships help ensure that the investment in a UW-Madison education pays dividends throughout graduates' careers.
University Of Wisconsin-Madison Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
