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Head-to-head comparison

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs Carroll University: which has better ROI?

Public, Eau Claire WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Waukesha WI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Eau Claire, WI

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Net price / year
$16,550
Earnings, 10 years
$58,561
Payback
6.5 yrs

Option B Waukesha, WI

Carroll University

Net price / year
$15,193
Earnings, 10 years
$58,009
Payback
6.3 yrs
The verdict

Carroll University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,772 in 6.3 years versus 6.5 years at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, on median earnings of $58,009 vs $58,561 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireCarroll University
Net price / yr$16,550$15,193
Total net cost$66,200$60,772
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,561$58,009
Median debt$20,909$27,000
Payback6.5 yrs6.3 yrs
20-year net return$137,820$132,208

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Carroll University?

Carroll University, at $15,193 a year after aid versus $16,550 — a gap of $1,357 a year, or $5,428 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Carroll University graduates earn more?

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates report a median $58,561 ten years after entry, $552 more than the $58,009 at Carroll University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Carroll University?

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: its completers carry a median $20,909 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Carroll University, a difference of $6,091. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Carroll University, against 64% at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs Carroll University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Carroll University a better value?
Carroll University. It clears its $60,772 net cost in about 6.3 years versus 6.5 years at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, on median earnings of $58,009 vs $58,561 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Carroll University?
Carroll University: $15,193/yr net price after aid versus $16,550/yr at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — a difference of $1,357 a year, or about $5,428 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or Carroll University graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates earn a median $58,561 ten years after entry, versus $58,009 at Carroll University — a $552 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.