Best Value Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's finance programs show a remarkable earnings spread, with University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earning $65,029 annually while UW-Milwaukee graduates start at $43,943. This $21,000 gap reflects the varying pathways into Wisconsin's finance sector, which benefits from major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare requiring financial analysts and corporate finance specialists. The state's 17 finance programs range from $13,726 to $29,237 in net costs, with public universities dominating the affordability market. UW-Madison stands out not just for top earnings but also maintains reasonable debt levels at $20,181 despite its selectivity. Meanwhile, regional campuses like UW-Whitewater and UW-Oshkosh offer strong value propositions with net costs under $15,000 and mid-career earnings approaching $50,000. Wisconsin's manufacturing base, from Kimberly-Clark to smaller industrial firms, creates steady demand for financial professionals across corporate finance, risk management, and investment analysis roles throughout the state.

Programs

$13,726 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$52,701

Avg. Program Earnings

64.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$65,029	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
2	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$49,324	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
3	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$49,158	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
4	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$50,387	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
5	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$53,045	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
6	Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin	$18,847	$52,107	$11,982	62.5%
7	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$43,943	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
8	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$63,115	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%
9	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$53,537	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
10	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$50,439	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
11	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$49,631	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
12	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633		$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
13	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176		$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
14	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341		$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
15	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315		$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
16	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726		$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
17	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Madison worth the higher cost for finance students?

UW-Madison graduates earn $65,029 annually, about $15,000 more than most other Wisconsin finance programs. The school maintains a 89.3% graduation rate and keeps debt manageable at $20,181 despite its research university status. Its proximity to Madison's government sector and connections to Milwaukee's financial district provide internship and career advantages that justify the $16,928 net cost.

How do Wisconsin's public university finance programs compare on value?

All five major UW system schools offer finance programs under $17,000 net cost, with UW-Whitewater and UW-Oshkosh both under $15,000. UW-La Crosse provides the best earnings potential among regional campuses at $50,387, while UW-Eau Claire follows closely at $53,045. These programs maintain acceptance rates above 74%, making them accessible options with solid career prospects.

Is Marquette University's $29,237 cost justified for finance majors?

Marquette graduates earn $63,115 annually, second only to UW-Madison, while maintaining reasonable debt at $21,643. The private university offers an 80.1% graduation rate and strong alumni connections in Milwaukee's banking sector. However, students pay nearly double the cost of public alternatives, making it suitable primarily for those seeking private school advantages and urban networking opportunities.

Where do Wisconsin finance graduates typically find employment?

Wisconsin's finance graduates often join Epic Systems for healthcare technology finance roles, GE Healthcare for corporate finance positions, or regional banks throughout Milwaukee and Madison. The state's manufacturing sector, including Kimberly-Clark and Harley-Davidson, requires financial analysts and treasury specialists. Many graduates also pursue opportunities with Wisconsin's credit unions and community banks that serve rural and suburban markets across the state.

More Finance and Financial Management Services Rankings

Cheapest Finance and Financial Management Services in Wisconsin Finance and Financial Management Services Under $20,000 in Wisconsin

All Finance and Financial Management Services Programs Best Colleges in Wisconsin Best Finance and Financial Management Services in Wisconsin

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