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

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

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,632 in 8.1 years versus 9.2 years at Edgewood University, on median earnings of $55,356 vs $59,728 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-WhitewaterEdgewood University
Net price / yr$14,158$26,113
Total net cost$56,632$104,452
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,356$59,728
Median debt$23,188$24,424
Payback8.1 yrs9.2 yrs
20-year net return$83,288$122,908

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

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

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, at $14,158 a year after aid versus $26,113 — a gap of $11,955 a year, or $47,820 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-Whitewater or Edgewood University graduates earn more?

Edgewood University graduates report a median $59,728 ten years after entry, $4,372 more than the $55,356 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 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-Whitewater or Edgewood University?

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: its completers carry a median $23,188 in federal loans versus $24,424 at Edgewood University, a difference of $1,236. 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 59% at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 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-Whitewater vs Edgewood University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or Edgewood University a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. It clears its $56,632 net cost in about 8.1 years versus 9.2 years at Edgewood University, on median earnings of $55,356 vs $59,728 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or Edgewood University?
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: $14,158/yr net price after aid versus $26,113/yr at Edgewood University — a difference of $11,955 a year, or about $47,820 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or Edgewood University graduates earn more?
Edgewood University graduates earn a median $59,728 ten years after entry, versus $55,356 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — a $4,372 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.