University of Wisconsin-Whitewater vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: which has better ROI?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,200 in 6.5 years versus 8.1 years at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, on median earnings of $58,561 vs $55,356 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,158 | $16,550 |
| Total net cost | $56,632 | $66,200 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,356 | $58,561 |
| Median debt | $23,188 | $20,909 |
| Payback | 8.1 yrs | 6.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $83,288 | $137,820 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, at $14,158 a year after aid versus $16,550 — a gap of $2,392 a year, or $9,568 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 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates report a median $58,561 ten years after entry, $3,205 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 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: its completers carry a median $20,909 in federal loans versus $23,188 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a difference of $2,279. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 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.