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

Public, Milwaukee WI · vs · Public, River Falls WI

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

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 University of Wisconsin-River Falls, on median earnings of $54,990 vs $54,458 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeUniversity of Wisconsin-River Falls
Net price / yr$15,014$14,054
Total net cost$60,056$56,216
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,990$54,458
Median debt$23,000$20,500
Payback9.1 yrs9.2 yrs
20-year net return$72,544$65,744

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Wisconsin-River Falls?

University of Wisconsin-River Falls, at $14,054 a year after aid versus $15,014 — a gap of $960 a year, or $3,840 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 University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates earn more?

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates report a median $54,990 ten years after entry, $532 more than the $54,458 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. 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 University of Wisconsin-River Falls?

University of Wisconsin-River Falls: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $23,000 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 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 University of Wisconsin-River Falls: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Wisconsin-River Falls a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It clears its $60,056 net cost in about 9.1 years versus 9.2 years at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, on median earnings of $54,990 vs $54,458 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Wisconsin-River Falls?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls: $14,054/yr net price after aid versus $15,014/yr at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — a difference of $960 a year, or about $3,840 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates earn a median $54,990 ten years after entry, versus $54,458 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls — a $532 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.