Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
Compare average net price ($16,210 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison), ROI score (9.31 vs 10.63), ten-year median earnings ($60,378 vs $73,792), and admissions selectivity (75.5% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; 45.2% at University of Wisconsin-Madison) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Wisconsin-Madison has a 6-1 metric-level edge. University of Wisconsin-Madison leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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-La Crosse | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.31 | 10.63 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,210 ✓ | $17,354 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,378 | $73,792 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 75.5% | 45.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 71% | 89.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $20,484 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,277 | 36,902 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1220 | 1427 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Madison costs $1,144 more per year than University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ($17,354 vs $16,210). University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report $13,414 higher median earnings after ten years ($73,792 vs $60,378). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Madison ahead on projected ROI (10.63 vs 9.31, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Wisconsin-Madison) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is accessible at 75.5% acceptance versus 45.2% (selective) at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Madison, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Madison the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.63 vs 9.31), 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 $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The annual difference of $1,144 adds up to about $4,576 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $73,792 vs $60,378 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,414.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective at 45.2% acceptance vs 75.5% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
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-La Crosse reports a B value grade; University of Wisconsin-Madison reports B.