University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs University of Wisconsin-Stout: 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 7.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Stout, on median earnings of $58,561 vs $58,084 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | University of Wisconsin-Stout |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,550 | $17,490 |
| Total net cost | $66,200 | $69,960 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,561 | $58,084 |
| Median debt | $20,909 | $23,000 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $137,820 | $124,520 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or University of Wisconsin-Stout?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, at $16,550 a year after aid versus $17,490 — a gap of $940 a year, or $3,760 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 University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates report a median $58,561 ten years after entry, $477 more than the $58,084 at University of Wisconsin-Stout. 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 University of Wisconsin-Stout?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: its completers carry a median $20,909 in federal loans versus $23,000 at University of Wisconsin-Stout, a difference of $2,091. 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 55% at University of Wisconsin-Stout. 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.