Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-River Falls vs University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Compare average net price ($14,054 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls; $14,158 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater), ROI score (9.69 vs 9.77), ten-year median earnings ($54,458 vs $55,356), and admissions selectivity (81.7% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-River Falls; 85.7% at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Wisconsin-River Falls has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better 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-River Falls | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.69 | 9.77 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,054 ✓ | $14,158 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,458 | $55,356 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 81.7% ✓ | 85.7% |
| Graduation rate | 57% | 58.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,500 ✓ | $23,188 |
| Enrollment | 4,205 | 9,405 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1150 ✓ | 1050 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater costs $104 more per year than University of Wisconsin-River Falls ($14,158 vs $14,054). University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates report $898 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,356 vs $54,458). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ahead on projected ROI (9.77 vs 9.69, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Wisconsin-River Falls is accessible at 81.7% acceptance versus 85.7% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-River Falls vs University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-River Falls or University of Wisconsin-Whitewater the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.77 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 $14,158 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The annual difference of $104 adds up to about $416 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,356 vs $54,458 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The annual gap in the federal data is $898.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls is more selective at 81.7% acceptance vs 85.7% at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
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-River Falls reports a B value grade; University of Wisconsin-Whitewater reports B.