University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI

Communication and Media Studies

at University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $36,006/yr starting out — that's 20% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 12.2 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $16,600/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $73,096 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$29,943/yr

Starting Salary

$36,006

Finish Rate

89.8%

Household Income

$29,943/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $16,600/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $13,343/yr)

4 Years Total

$119,772

Typical Debt

$18,375

Interest You'd Owe

+$6,696

What You'd Really Pay

$73,096

That's about $209/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$360,060

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$73,096

Pays for Itself In

12.2 yrs

Salary Boost

+20%

Ahead After 10 Years

$286,964

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed10.9/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost2.7/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.5/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.