Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 4 for University of Wisconsin-River Falls — University of Wisconsin-River Falls has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | University of Wisconsin-River Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.85 | 9.69 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,550 | $14,054 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,561 ✓ | $54,458 |
| Acceptance rate | 82.3% | 81.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 63.8% ✓ | 57% |
| Median debt | $20,909 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 8,895 | 4,205 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1220 ✓ | 1150 |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire costs $2,496 more per year than University of Wisconsin-River Falls ($16,550 vs $14,054). University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates report $4,103 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,561 vs $54,458). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-River Falls ahead on projected ROI (9.69 vs 8.85, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-River Falls) 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 81.7% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs University of Wisconsin-River Falls, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or University of Wisconsin-River Falls the better value?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.69 vs 8.85), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls is cheaper — average net price $14,054 per year vs $16,550 at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The annual difference of $2,496 adds up to about $9,984 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,561 vs $54,458 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,103.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls is more selective at 81.7% 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-River Falls reports B.