At $14,714/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates earn $54,458/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,458/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,714 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,856 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,458/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,458/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,520/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,067/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,246/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,463/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,858/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $20,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,941 | $31,343 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Agricultural Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,269 | $22,735 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,019 | $15,200 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,965 | $41,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $48,265 | $35,952 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,321 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.9% of students at University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers solid middle-class returns at a reasonable price, though your major choice will determine whether you see strong gains or financial disappointment. The $14,714 annual net price keeps debt manageable for most graduates, with typical borrowers owing $20,500 at graduation.
Business majors see the strongest payoff, earning $73,949 ten years after graduation. This puts business students nearly $20,000 ahead of the campus median and makes UW-River Falls competitive with larger state universities for this field. Computer systems analysis and educational administration also deliver decent returns above $53,000.
Education majors face a concerning financial reality. Despite being a core strength of the university, teacher preparation programs saddle graduates with $31,343 in debt while delivering just $52,941 in median earnings. The debt-to-income ratio makes this path financially challenging, particularly given Wisconsin's teacher salary environment.
The 61% graduation rate creates real financial risk if you struggle academically or change majors frequently. With only 20% of students receiving need-based aid, middle-income families often pay close to full price, making completion essential for positive returns.
UW-River Falls works best for Wisconsin residents planning business careers or those committed to teaching despite the financial trade-offs. Out-of-state students should carefully compare costs since you can likely find better value closer to home. The university's rural location limits internship and part-time work opportunities that might offset college costs, making your program choice even more critical for long-term financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-River Falls worth the cost?
UW-River Falls offers decent value with a net price of $14,714 and median debt of $20,500, but the 10-year earnings of $54,458 are below average for college graduates. The 61% graduation rate means significant dropout risk.
What are the best paying programs at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?
Business administration graduates earn the highest at $73,949 after 10 years, making it the clear financial winner. Education and psychology programs pay significantly less at around $53,000-$56,000.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates have?
The median debt is $20,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. With typical starting salaries around $54,000, graduates should be able to handle payments without major financial strain.
Does University of Wisconsin-River Falls have good job prospects after graduation?
The school's 10-year graduate earnings of $54,458 are modest but reasonable for a regional public university. Business majors see much better outcomes than education or social service fields.