DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · MADISON, WI · PUBLIC

University of Wisconsin Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison
43.4%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

University of Wisconsin Madison Graduate Earnings Overview

$61,275
Median Salary (6yr)
$73,792
Median Salary (10yr)
$20,484
Median Debt
3.6x
Earnings / Debt

University of Wisconsin Madison graduates earn a median of $73,792 ten years after enrollment against median debt of $20,484. Actual outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.

Salary by Major at University of Wisconsin Madison

Earnings data by program, measured four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankUniversity of Wisconsin Madison SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $86,250 $75,000 +15%
Engineering $82,800 $72,000 +15%
Mathematics & Statistics $71,300 $62,000 +15%
Business $63,249 $55,000 +15%
Health Professions $59,799 $52,000 +15%
Physical Sciences $55,199 $48,000 +15%
Architecture $55,199 $48,000 +15%
Social Sciences $51,749 $45,000 +15%
Legal Professions $51,749 $45,000 +15%
Biological Sciences $48,299 $42,000 +15%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $48,299 $42,000 +15%
Agriculture & Natural Resources $48,299 $42,000 +15%
Communication & Journalism $46,000 $40,000 +15%
Natural Resources & Conservation $46,000 $40,000 +15%
History $46,000 $40,000 +15%
Education $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Public Administration & Social Services $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Psychology $41,400 $36,000 +15%
English Language & Literature $41,400 $36,000 +15%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness $40,250 $35,000 +15%
Family & Consumer Sciences $40,250 $35,000 +15%
Visual & Performing Arts $39,100 $34,000 +15%

Most Popular Majors at University of Wisconsin Madison

What students actually study — percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Business/Marketing
16.6%
Biological Sciences
11.5%
Social Sciences
10.9%
Engineering
9.5%
Computer Science
8.2%
Multidisciplinary
5.8%
Psychology
5.5%
Communication
4.9%
Health Professions
3.5%
Mathematics/Statistics
3.2%
Foreign Languages
2.3%

Is University of Wisconsin Madison Worth It? The ROI Verdict

University of Wisconsin Madison delivers strong financial returns for most graduates.

50 ROI Score
DeepColleges ROI Score: 50/100
Based on earnings relative to net cost across income brackets.

University of Wisconsin Madison Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankUniversity of Wisconsin Madison SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $86,250 $75,000 +15%
Engineering $82,800 $72,000 +15%
Mathematics & Statistics $71,300 $62,000 +15%
Business $63,249 $55,000 +15%
Health Professions $59,799 $52,000 +15%
Physical Sciences $55,199 $48,000 +15%
Architecture $55,199 $48,000 +15%
Social Sciences $51,749 $45,000 +15%
Legal Professions $51,749 $45,000 +15%
Biological Sciences $48,299 $42,000 +15%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $48,299 $42,000 +15%
Agriculture & Natural Resources $48,299 $42,000 +15%
Communication & Journalism $46,000 $40,000 +15%
Natural Resources & Conservation $46,000 $40,000 +15%
History $46,000 $40,000 +15%
Education $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Public Administration & Social Services $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $43,700 $38,000 +15%
Psychology $41,400 $36,000 +15%
English Language & Literature $41,400 $36,000 +15%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness $40,250 $35,000 +15%
Family & Consumer Sciences $40,250 $35,000 +15%
Visual & Performing Arts $39,100 $34,000 +15%

University of Wisconsin Madison Salary & ROI FAQs

What do University of Wisconsin Madison graduates actually earn?
University of Wisconsin Madison graduates earn a median of $73,792 10 years post-graduation, up from $61,275 at 6 years out. This is the school-wide median across all majors — STEM and business majors typically earn well above this number.
Which majors at University of Wisconsin Madison have the highest salary?
Top-earning majors at University of Wisconsin Madison include Computer Science ($86,250); Engineering ($82,800); Mathematics & Statistics ($71,300). Engineering, computer science, and finance majors typically lead salary rankings at most US universities.
Is a University of Wisconsin Madison degree worth the cost?
A 4-year University of Wisconsin Madison degree costs about $49,192 for the average family (after aid). Median grads earn $73,792/yr at 10 years out — meaning most graduates pay back the cost within a few years of full-time work.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin Madison students graduate with?
Median federal loan debt for University of Wisconsin Madison graduates is $20,484. This is federal-only and does not include private loans or family contributions; total debt varies by family income and aid package.
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More About University of Wisconsin Madison

University of Wisconsin Madison Acceptance Rate University of Wisconsin Madison Tuition & Cost Transfer to University of Wisconsin Madison University of Wisconsin Madison Salary & ROI University of Wisconsin Madison AP Credit Best Majors at University of Wisconsin Madison University of Wisconsin Madison Housing International at University of Wisconsin Madison

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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. University of Wisconsin Madison is not affiliated with DeepColleges.