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University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Herzing University-Madison: which has better ROI?

Public, Madison WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Madison WI

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Madison has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,416 in 2.7 years versus not at all at Herzing University-Madison, on median earnings of $73,792 vs $36,909 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonHerzing University-Madison
Net price / yr$17,354$22,327
Total net cost$69,416$89,308
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,792$36,909
Median debt$20,484$21,500
Payback2.7 yrs
20-year net return$439,224-$318,328

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Herzing University-Madison: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison or Herzing University-Madison a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Madison. It clears its $69,416 net cost in about 2.7 years versus no clear payback at Herzing University-Madison, on median earnings of $73,792 vs $36,909 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Madison or Herzing University-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison: $17,354/yr net price after aid versus $22,327/yr at Herzing University-Madison — a difference of $4,973 a year, or about $19,892 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Madison or Herzing University-Madison graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn a median $73,792 ten years after entry, versus $36,909 at Herzing University-Madison — a $36,883 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.