Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 is a strong starting point for evaluating any bachelor's program, and based on national landscape architecture data, UW-Madison's estimated numbers—$52,841 in first-year earnings against $25,735 in debt—suggest a manageable financial path. As Wisconsin's only landscape architecture program at this level, it faces no in-state competition, which may partly explain the small graduate cohort that necessitated these estimates. The program serves a selective student body (43% admission rate, 1402 SAT average), and the estimated earnings align precisely with the national median for the field, indicating this isn't an outlier program but rather reflects typical outcomes for landscape architecture graduates nationwide.
The practical calculation here is straightforward: with estimated debt representing roughly half a year's salary, graduates from comparable programs could reasonably pay down loans within a few years while establishing their careers. Landscape architecture typically requires licensure for advancement, which means these first-year figures may understate longer-term earning potential as graduates gain experience and credentials. The field combines design creativity with environmental planning, offering career stability in both public and private sectors.
The caveat is that these estimates come from peer programs nationally, not tracked outcomes from Madison graduates specifically. For a parent, that means you're betting on UW-Madison delivering results consistent with the national landscape architecture norm—a reasonable assumption given the university's reputation, but not a guarantee backed by hard data from this particular program.
Where University of Wisconsin-Madison Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all landscape architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Landscape Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $52,841* | — | $25,735* | — |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $60,668* | $62,645 | —* | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $59,972* | $64,800 | —* | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $58,331* | $58,474 | $22,433* | 0.38 |
 University of Rhode IslandKingston | $16,408 | $57,920* | $54,744 | —* | — |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $54,777* | $60,412 | $27,000* | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $52,841* | — | $25,734* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with landscape architecture graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-Madison, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 17 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.