Best Economics Degrees in Wisconsin by ROI
Colleges in Wisconsin ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Wisconsin
9
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$106,362
Across Wisconsin programs
Average Annual Cost
$34,894
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Grad rate: 62.9% |
+$392,763 | $66,835 | $18,661 | $21,698 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Grad rate: 57.7% |
+$189,318 | $56,966 | $19,063 | $25,000 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Grad rate: 89.3% |
+$176,407 | $57,775 | $27,770 | $20,750 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Grad rate: 66.4% |
+$109,479 | $53,128 | $21,014 | $21,500 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Grad rate: 70.5% |
+$96,570 | $52,139 | $18,115 | $25,000 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Saint Norbert College
Grad rate: 72.5% |
+$85,314 | $59,327 | $56,194 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Grad rate: 49.6% |
+$58,994 | $51,207 | $22,174 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Marquette University
Grad rate: 81.3% |
-$68,711 | $52,812 | $63,233 | $23,718 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Lawrence University
Grad rate: 77.2% |
-$82,876 | $51,421 | $67,824 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Economics Degrees by State
Browse Economics programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.