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
The financial return at University of Wisconsin-River Falls is solid but modest. You pay around $14,714 a year and carry $20,500 in debt at graduation, which median earnings of $54,458 ten years out can service without much strain. Debt stays below annual earnings, so you're not walking into a hole. This is a safe, low-cost bet with a ceiling, not a school that catapults you into high pay.
Computer Systems Analysis is your strongest earner, and it comes with debt in line with the campus average. Accounting is the smartest value here: you earn roughly the same as most other majors while borrowing about $5,000 less than the typical graduate, so your dollar-for-dollar payoff is the best on this list. Agricultural Engineering pays well but saddles you with the heaviest debt of any program listed, over $22,000, which eats into the return. Economics sits at the bottom of the earnings range, so weigh it carefully against the accounting and business paths.
The real risk here is finishing. Only 61% graduate and 73% return after the first year, meaning more than a quarter of students leave. If you borrow and don't finish, you carry debt with no degree to pay it off. That's the biggest financial threat at this school, more than tuition or major choice.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families heavily. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $9,520, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $17,858, nearly double. That makes River Falls a strong fit if you qualify for need-based aid and pick accounting, business, or computer systems. If you're paying the top tier for economics, the math is tighter, and you should compare against cheaper in-state options.
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.