Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

UW-Eau Claire's finance program punches above its weight for a regional public university with a 76% admission rate. Graduates earn $58,812 within a year—nearly $5,000 above the national median for finance programs and $3,000 above Wisconsin's state median. Among Wisconsin's 18 finance programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only UW-Madison, Marquette, and a handful of peers. That's impressive positioning for a school with a middle-tier selectivity profile.

The financial picture reinforces the value story. At $20,673 in median debt, graduates owe about $5,000 less than both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.35—manageable by any standard. Students leave owing roughly four months of their first-year salary, giving them financial flexibility early in their careers. Earnings growth to $63,822 by year four suggests graduates are advancing steadily, though not at a breakneck pace.

For Wisconsin families seeking a finance degree without stretching for Madison or private school tuition, UW-Eau Claire delivers tangible returns. The combination of above-average starting salaries and below-average debt makes this a sensible middle ground—particularly for students who can keep costs down further with in-state tuition. The robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes; this program consistently produces working finance professionals with solid early-career prospects.