Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Compare average net price ($17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison; $11,772 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside), ROI score (10.63 vs 10.86), ten-year median earnings ($73,792 vs $51,129), and admissions selectivity (45.2% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-Madison; 75.4% at University of Wisconsin-Parkside) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Wisconsin-Madison has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of Wisconsin-Parkside 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-Madison | University of Wisconsin-Parkside |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.63 | 10.86 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,354 | $11,772 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $73,792 ✓ | $51,129 |
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% ✓ | 75.4% |
| Graduation rate | 89.6% ✓ | 40.4% |
| Median debt | $20,484 ✓ | $20,492 |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 2,844 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1427 ✓ | 1090 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Madison costs $5,582 more per year than University of Wisconsin-Parkside ($17,354 vs $11,772). University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report $22,663 higher median earnings after ten years ($73,792 vs $51,129). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Parkside ahead on projected ROI (10.86 vs 10.63, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-Parkside) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Wisconsin-Madison is selective at 45.2% acceptance versus 75.4% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Parkside, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Wisconsin-Parkside the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.86 vs 10.63), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside is cheaper — average net price $11,772 per year vs $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The annual difference of $5,582 adds up to about $22,328 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $73,792 vs $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,663.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective at 45.2% acceptance vs 75.4% at University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
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-Madison reports a B value grade; University of Wisconsin-Parkside reports A.