Higher combined Luma Score using the available cost and outcome fields.
College comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
This comparison focuses on the numbers families usually need first: cost, earnings, graduation, debt, and overall value.
Luma Score8792
Average net price$17K$14K
Median earnings$74K$81K
Median debt$20K$20K
Graduation rate90%85%
Editorial comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ask families to weigh different parts of the college decision. On affordability, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the lower reported average net price at $14K. For long-term earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher reported median earnings at $81K. Debt also deserves a separate look: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports the lower median completer debt at $20K. Graduation data points toward University of Wisconsin-Madison with a reported rate of 90%, which may matter for students trying to limit extra semesters and additional borrowing.
The overall tradeoff is not simply which school has the lowest cost or the highest earnings number. A student with a strong aid offer may reasonably choose the school that fits their academic path, while a family focused on repayment comfort may prioritize net price and debt. Based on the available data, TuitionLuma leans toward University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign because of lower reported average net price, higher reported median earnings, and lower reported median debt. Students should compare this result with actual financial aid letters, housing plans, and intended programs before deciding.
Lower reported average net price in this comparison.
Higher reported median earnings after entry.
Cost comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports an average net price of $17K, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports $14K. The better choice depends on your aid package, residency, housing, and borrowing plan.
Earnings comparison
Reported median earnings are $74K for University of Wisconsin-Madison and $81K for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Use this as a directional outcome signal, not a salary promise.
Debt comparison
Median completer debt is $20K at University of Wisconsin-Madison and $20K at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Lower debt can reduce repayment pressure after graduation.
Graduation comparison
Graduation rates are 90% and 85%. Completion is an important affordability factor because extra terms can add cost.
TuitionLuma recommendation
Based on the available static sample, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks stronger because of lower reported average net price, higher reported median earnings, lower reported median debt. Before deciding, compare your actual financial aid offers and intended program outcomes.
Who should use this comparison?
This comparison is most useful for students choosing between two known options and families trying to understand the tradeoff between price, debt, completion, and earnings. It should be paired with actual aid letters before making a final decision.
Plan with TuitionLuma
Model your real college decision.
Download TuitionLuma to compare cost, aid, student debt, school outcomes, and program value in one mobile planning workspace.