Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Compare average net price ($17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison; $14,054 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls), ROI score (10.63 vs 9.69), ten-year median earnings ($73,792 vs $54,458), and admissions selectivity (45.2% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-Madison; 81.7% at University of Wisconsin-River Falls) 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-Madison | University of Wisconsin-River Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.63 ✓ | 9.69 |
| Avg net price | $17,354 | $14,054 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $73,792 ✓ | $54,458 |
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% ✓ | 81.7% |
| Graduation rate | 89.6% ✓ | 57% |
| Median debt | $20,484 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 4,205 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1427 ✓ | 1150 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Madison costs $3,300 more per year than University of Wisconsin-River Falls ($17,354 vs $14,054). University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report $19,334 higher median earnings after ten years ($73,792 vs $54,458). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Madison ahead on projected ROI (10.63 vs 9.69, 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-Madison is selective at 45.2% acceptance versus 81.7% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-River Falls, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Wisconsin-River Falls the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.63 vs 9.69), 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 $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The annual difference of $3,300 adds up to about $13,200 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $73,792 vs $54,458 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,334.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective at 45.2% acceptance vs 81.7% at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
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-River Falls reports B.