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

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

The verdict

Marquette University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $125,948 in 4.2 years versus 9.1 years at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, on median earnings of $78,257 vs $54,990 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMarquette University
Net price / yr$15,014$31,487
Total net cost$60,056$125,948
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,990$78,257
Median debt$23,000$23,940
Payback9.1 yrs4.2 yrs
20-year net return$72,544$471,992

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

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee vs Marquette University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Marquette University a better value?
Marquette University. It clears its $125,948 net cost in about 4.2 years versus 9.1 years at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, on median earnings of $78,257 vs $54,990 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Marquette University?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: $15,014/yr net price after aid versus $31,487/yr at Marquette University — a difference of $16,473 a year, or about $65,892 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Marquette University graduates earn more?
Marquette University graduates earn a median $78,257 ten years after entry, versus $54,990 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — a $23,267 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.