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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee vs Edgewood University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,056 in 9.1 years versus 9.2 years at Edgewood University, on median earnings of $54,990 vs $59,728 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeEdgewood University
Net price / yr$15,014$26,113
Total net cost$60,056$104,452
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,990$59,728
Median debt$23,000$24,424
Payback9.1 yrs9.2 yrs
20-year net return$72,544$122,908

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Edgewood University?

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, at $15,014 a year after aid versus $26,113 — a gap of $11,099 a year, or $44,396 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-Milwaukee or Edgewood University graduates earn more?

Edgewood University graduates report a median $59,728 ten years after entry, $4,738 more than the $54,990 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 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-Milwaukee or Edgewood University?

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $24,424 at Edgewood University, a difference of $1,424. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

60% of students finish at Edgewood University, against 49% at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 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-Milwaukee vs Edgewood University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Edgewood University a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It clears its $60,056 net cost in about 9.1 years versus 9.2 years at Edgewood University, on median earnings of $54,990 vs $59,728 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Edgewood University?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: $15,014/yr net price after aid versus $26,113/yr at Edgewood University — a difference of $11,099 a year, or about $44,396 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Edgewood University graduates earn more?
Edgewood University graduates earn a median $59,728 ten years after entry, versus $54,990 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — a $4,738 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.