At $16,948/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates earn $58,561/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,561/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,948 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,561/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,561/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,909 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,565/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,534/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,803/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,951/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,469/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $113,187 | $52,094 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $85,206 | $31,909 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,867 | $20,494 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $18,593 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $61,350 | $21,850 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,796 | $21,374 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,359 | $22,437 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,045 | $20,290 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $50,270 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $20,550 |
The Risk Factor
67.6% of students at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire delivers solid financial returns with a manageable net price of $16,948 annually and graduates earning a median of $58,561 ten years out. Your debt burden stays reasonable at $20,909, making monthly payments feasible for most career paths.
Nursing stands out as the financial winner here, with specialized nursing programs generating over $113,000 annually despite higher debt loads of $52,094. Business administration also pays off well at $85,206 with moderate debt of $31,909. Computer science graduates earn nearly $70,000 with below-average debt, making it another smart financial choice. Health administration rounds out the strong earners at $61,350.
The main financial risk lies in UW-Eau Claire's 67% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you carry debt without the degree premium. The 82% retention rate suggests most students who start here stay engaged, but one in three still don't graduate on time.
This school works best financially if you can commit to completion and choose a program with clear career paths. The low percentage receiving aid (18.67%) suggests most students pay close to full price, so middle-class families without significant need-based aid should factor this into their planning.
Wisconsin residents get the best deal here given in-state tuition advantages. If you're eyeing healthcare, business, or technology careers and want to avoid crushing debt, UW-Eau Claire offers a practical path to solid middle-class earnings. Students seeking prestige or extremely high-paying careers should look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire worth the cost?
UW-Eau Claire offers decent value with a net price of $16,948 and median earnings of $58,561 after 10 years, though the 67.6% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish. The median debt of $20,909 is manageable compared to typical earnings.
What are the best paying majors at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?
Nursing programs at UW-Eau Claire lead to the highest earnings, with some graduates earning over $113,000 annually. Business administration graduates average $85,206, while computer science majors earn around $69,867.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates have?
UW-Eau Claire graduates have a median debt of $20,909, which is relatively low compared to many four-year schools. This debt level is generally manageable given the school's average graduate earnings of $58,561.
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?
Only 67.6% of students graduate from UW-Eau Claire within six years. This means about one-third of students who enroll don't complete their degree, which significantly impacts the school's return on investment for those who don't finish.