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University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: which has better ROI?

Public, Madison WI · vs · Public, Minneapolis MN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

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 3.2 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, on median earnings of $73,792 vs $69,020 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonUniversity of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Net price / yr$17,354$16,778
Total net cost$69,416$67,112
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,792$69,020
Median debt$20,484$19,500
Payback2.7 yrs3.2 yrs
20-year net return$439,224$346,088

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, at $16,778 a year after aid versus $17,354 — a gap of $576 a year, or $2,304 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-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?

University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report a median $73,792 ten years after entry, $4,772 more than the $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 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-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,484 at University of Wisconsin-Madison, a difference of $984. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

90% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Madison, against 85% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 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.

University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Madison. It clears its $69,416 net cost in about 2.7 years versus 3.2 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, on median earnings of $73,792 vs $69,020 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $16,778/yr net price after aid versus $17,354/yr at University of Wisconsin-Madison — a difference of $576 a year, or about $2,304 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn a median $73,792 ten years after entry, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — a $4,772 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.