Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Compare average net price ($16,550 at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; $16,210 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse), ROI score (8.85 vs 9.31), ten-year median earnings ($58,561 vs $60,378), and admissions selectivity (82.3% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; 75.5% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has a 5-1 metric-level edge. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.85 | 9.31 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,550 | $16,210 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,561 | $60,378 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 82.3% | 75.5% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 63.8% | 71% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,909 ✓ | $22,500 |
| Enrollment | 8,895 | 9,277 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1220 | 1220 |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire costs $340 more per year than University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ($16,550 vs $16,210). University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates report $1,817 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,378 vs $58,561). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ahead on projected ROI (9.31 vs 8.85, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is accessible at 82.3% acceptance versus 75.5% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse the better value?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.31 vs 8.85), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is cheaper — average net price $16,210 per year vs $16,550 at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The annual difference of $340 adds up to about $1,360 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,378 vs $58,561 at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,817.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is more selective at 75.5% acceptance vs 82.3% at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire reports a B value grade; University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reports B.