University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs Chippewa Valley Technical College: which has better ROI?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,200 in 6.5 years versus not at all at Chippewa Valley Technical College, on median earnings of $58,561 vs $46,297 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Chippewa Valley Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,550 | $12,285 |
| Total net cost | $66,200 | $49,140 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,561 | $46,297 |
| Median debt | $20,909 | $11,432 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $137,820 | -$90,400 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Chippewa Valley Technical College?
Chippewa Valley Technical College, at $12,285 a year after aid versus $16,550 — a gap of $4,265 a year, or $17,060 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates report a median $58,561 ten years after entry, $12,264 more than the $46,297 at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Chippewa Valley Technical College?
Chippewa Valley Technical College: its completers carry a median $11,432 in federal loans versus $20,909 at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a difference of $9,477. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, against 50% at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.