Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Stout
Compare average net price ($17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison; $17,490 at University of Wisconsin-Stout), ROI score (10.63 vs 8.30), ten-year median earnings ($73,792 vs $58,084), and admissions selectivity (45.2% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-Madison; 87.7% at University of Wisconsin-Stout) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Wisconsin-Madison has a 7-0 metric-level edge. University of Wisconsin-Madison 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-Madison | University of Wisconsin-Stout |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.63 ✓ | 8.30 |
| Avg net price | $17,354 ✓ | $17,490 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $73,792 ✓ | $58,084 |
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% ✓ | 87.7% |
| Graduation rate | 89.6% ✓ | 54.9% |
| Median debt | $20,484 ✓ | $23,000 |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 5,842 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1427 ✓ | 1150 |
| Metric advantages | 7 | 0 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Stout costs $136 more per year than University of Wisconsin-Madison ($17,490 vs $17,354). University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report $15,708 higher median earnings after ten years ($73,792 vs $58,084). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Madison ahead on projected ROI (10.63 vs 8.30, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-Madison) 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 87.7% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Stout, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Wisconsin-Stout the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.63 vs 8.30), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is cheaper — average net price $17,354 per year vs $17,490 at University of Wisconsin-Stout. The annual difference of $136 adds up to about $544 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $73,792 vs $58,084 at University of Wisconsin-Stout. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,708.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective at 45.2% acceptance vs 87.7% at University of Wisconsin-Stout.
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-Stout reports B.