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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Wisconsin

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Business Administration programs in Wisconsin show stark value differences, with UW-Green Bay delivering the lowest net cost at $12,878 while UW-Madison commands nearly $17,000 but produces graduates earning $61,303 annually. The 20 programs span from $12,878 to $21,315 in net costs, creating significant price gaps between institutions. Wisconsin's economy, anchored by healthcare giants like Epic Systems and manufacturing leaders such as GE Healthcare, provides strong career pathways for business graduates. Public universities dominate the value market, offering in-state tuition as low as $8,212 at UW-Oshkosh compared to private options reaching $13,420. The earnings spread from $34,963 to $61,303 reflects varying program strengths and regional employment patterns. UW-Madison stands out with an 89.30% graduation rate, the highest among all programs, while maintaining competitive debt levels at $20,000.
35
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$46,253
Avg. Program Earnings
55.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,761 $53,984 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
2 $16,928 $61,303 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
3 $12,878 $42,479 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
4 $14,785 $47,327 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
5 $16,177 $51,449 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
6 $14,714 $46,321 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
7 $14,754 $44,828 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
8 $13,405 $40,056 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
9 $15,374 $45,794 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
10 $13,726 $39,693 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
11 $17,613 $50,047 $13,420 50.0% 93.5%
12 $16,948 $47,260 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
13 $17,365 $46,708 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
14 $18,796 $50,047 $13,420 40.0% 95.1%
15 $18,847 $47,129 $11,982 62.5%
16 $20,319 $50,047 $13,420 27.6% 94.5%
17 $16,722 $40,945 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
18 $15,135 $34,963 $19,944 23.5%
19 $21,315 $46,869 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
20 $18,295 $39,369 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
21 $22,633 $47,595 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
22 $24,813 $49,615 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
23 $26,067 $51,106 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
24 $22,092 $43,207 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
25 $29,237 $56,979 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
26 $24,362 $45,618 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
27 $24,021 $44,384 $48,421 71.5% 63.5%
28 $23,341 $42,235 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
29 $25,634 $44,091 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
30 $24,659 $36,134 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
31 $10,498 $6,200 27.5%
32 $11,536 $6,030 13.3%
33 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
34 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
35 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $48,000 difference between the highest and lowest graduate earnings?

UW-Madison graduates earn $61,303 annually while UW-Stevens Point graduates average $39,693, reflecting program reputation and alumni networks. Madison's selective 49.06% acceptance rate attracts stronger students who often secure positions at major Wisconsin employers like Epic Systems. The university's 89.30% graduation rate also indicates better student support systems. Location matters too, as Madison offers more internship opportunities with state government and major corporations.

How do private schools compare to public options for business value?

Private schools like Herzing University charge net costs of $17,613 to $18,796 compared to public averages around $14,000 to $16,000. However, graduates from both Herzing campuses earn $50,047, competitive with many public programs. The trade-off comes in debt levels, with Herzing graduates carrying $33,791 compared to public school averages of $20,000 to $23,000. Acceptance rates at private schools reach 93-95%, offering easier admission.

Is UW-Green Bay worth considering despite lower graduate earnings?

UW-Green Bay offers the lowest net cost at $12,878 and reasonable debt levels of $17,857, making it accessible for budget-conscious students. Graduates earn $42,479, which provides solid returns given the minimal investment required. The 89.62% acceptance rate ensures admission for most applicants. For students planning to work in northeastern Wisconsin's paper industry or local manufacturing, the regional connections often matter more than starting salary differences.

Does attending UW-Madison justify the higher costs for business students?

UW-Madison's $16,928 net cost produces graduates earning $61,303, the highest among all Wisconsin programs. The return on investment calculation favors Madison, with graduates earning $8,000 to $20,000 more annually than peers from other schools. The 89.30% graduation rate means students actually complete their degrees. Madison's proximity to state government and major corporations like American Family Insurance creates valuable internship and job opportunities.

Where do Wisconsin business graduates find the best job opportunities?

Wisconsin's healthcare sector, led by Epic Systems in Verona, actively recruits business graduates for operations and management roles. Manufacturing companies like Kimberly-Clark and GE Healthcare offer supply chain and management positions throughout the state. Milwaukee provides financial services opportunities, while Green Bay's paper industry needs operations managers. The Wisconsin Grant program helps in-state students afford these programs, with some schools charging in-state tuition as low as $8,212.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.