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Best Value Economics Colleges in Wisconsin

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

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater economics graduates earn $54,435 annually, the highest among Wisconsin's economics programs, while maintaining a relatively modest net price of $14,785. This earning power reflects the state's strong demand for economic analysts across major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, both of which rely heavily on data-driven decision making. The earnings gap between top-performing Whitewater and lower-earning programs reaches $12,870, highlighting significant variation in post-graduation outcomes. Wisconsin's public universities dominate the value equation, with nine of the top ten spots occupied by state institutions. Private options like Lawrence University command higher net prices at $24,563 but deliver competitive earnings at $54,035. The state's manufacturing and healthcare sectors create steady demand for economics expertise, particularly in supply chain analysis and healthcare economics. In-state tuition rates ranging from $8,212 to $11,205 make these programs accessible to Wisconsin residents, while the Wisconsin Grant provides additional support for qualifying students.
21
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$47,016
Avg. Program Earnings
62.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,785 $54,435 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
2 $14,761 $50,231 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
3 $12,878 $42,682 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
4 $13,726 $42,682 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
5 $14,714 $44,384 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
6 $15,374 $46,087 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
7 $16,177 $47,729 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
8 $16,928 $49,521 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
9 $16,948 $41,565 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
10 $24,563 $54,035 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
11 $25,674 $47,260 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
12 $29,237 $43,575 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
13 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
14 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
15 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
16 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
17 $24,362 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
18 $24,813 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
19 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
20 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
21 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,870 earnings gap between top and bottom economics programs in Wisconsin?

UW-Whitewater graduates earn $54,435 compared to $41,565 at UW-Eau Claire, reflecting differences in career services, alumni networks, and regional job markets. Whitewater's strong business school connections and proximity to Milwaukee's financial sector contribute to higher starting salaries. The 64.3% graduation rate at Whitewater also suggests stronger student support systems. Programs with higher earnings typically have better industry partnerships and internship placement rates.

How do Wisconsin's public economics programs compare to private alternatives in terms of value?

Public programs offer superior value with net prices between $12,878 and $16,928 compared to private schools ranging from $21,924 to $29,237. UW-Whitewater delivers the highest earnings at $54,435 for just $14,785 net cost. Lawrence University charges $24,563 but produces similar earnings at $54,035. The $10,000+ price difference makes public options more attractive for most students seeking economics degrees.

Does student debt vary significantly across Wisconsin economics programs?

Debt levels range from $17,750 at UW-Whitewater to $27,000 at Saint Norbert College among schools reporting this data. UW-Madison graduates carry $20,500 in debt despite higher net costs, suggesting better financial aid packages. Private institutions generally impose higher debt burdens, with Saint Norbert College requiring $27,000 compared to public averages below $25,000. Debt-to-earnings ratios favor public universities across the board.

Where do Wisconsin economics graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Wisconsin's major employers like Epic Systems, GE Healthcare, and Kimberly-Clark actively recruit economics graduates for analyst and strategic planning roles. The state's manufacturing sector provides opportunities in supply chain economics and operations research. Healthcare economics positions are growing rapidly given Wisconsin's large medical device industry. Milwaukee's financial services sector and Madison's government agencies also hire substantial numbers of economics graduates annually.

Is there a correlation between acceptance rates and program quality in Wisconsin economics?

UW-Madison maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 49.06% while achieving the highest graduation rate at 89.30%, suggesting selectivity correlates with student success. UW-La Crosse accepts 74.25% of applicants and graduates 71.20%, showing strong outcomes despite moderate selectivity. Lawrence University's 72.27% acceptance rate produces 76.40% graduation rates and $54,035 earnings. Programs with acceptance rates above 85% generally show more variable graduation outcomes.

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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.