Best Doctoral Degree Programs at University of Wisconsin-Madison by ROI
Every Doctoral Degree major at University of Wisconsin-Madison ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
7
Majors with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$362,900
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$27,770
Cost of attendance
| # | Major | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sociology.
Grad rate: 89.3% |
+$855,420 | $90,325 | $27,770 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Chemistry.
Grad rate: 89.3% |
+$797,860 | $87,447 | $27,770 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
Grad rate: 89.3% |
+$546,920 | $74,900 | $27,770 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Curriculum and Instruction.
Grad rate: 89.3% |
+$402,840 | $67,696 | $27,770 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
History.
Grad rate: 89.3% |
+$136,200 | $54,364 | $27,770 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Grad rate: 89.3% |
-$28,460 | $46,131 | $27,770 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Music.
Grad rate: 89.3% |
-$170,480 | $39,030 | $27,770 | $0 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.