Location: Madison, WI•In-State Tuition: $11,205•Out-of-State Tuition: $40,603•Admission Rate: 43%•Avg SAT: 1402
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,444
Est. from national median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,381
Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

This bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical sciences produces first-year earnings around $49,000 based on national peer programs—a figure that raises immediate questions about career trajectory. Most pharmacy-adjacent bachelor's programs serve as stepping stones to PharmD or graduate degrees, not terminal credentials, which may explain why initial earnings lag behind what many families expect from a competitive university like UW-Madison.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 appears manageable at first glance, with roughly $22,000 in loans against that $49,000 starting salary. However, context matters here: if this degree functions primarily as pre-pharmacy preparation, students need to factor in the additional debt and time required for professional school. If graduates enter the workforce directly—perhaps in pharmaceutical sales, research support, or regulatory roles—that $49,000 represents their actual earning potential, which is modest given the program's rigor and the university's selectivity.

The critical question for your family is whether this bachelor's degree serves as the endpoint or the beginning. If your student plans to continue to a PharmD program, evaluate the total investment across both degrees. If they intend to work immediately after graduation, understand that peer programs suggest earnings in the high $40,000s—respectable but not exceptional for a flagship university credential. Pin down exactly which career paths this specific degree opens versus which require further education.

Where University of Wisconsin-Madison Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and administration bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Madison (estimated ±10%)Other pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and administration programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$49,444*—$22,381*—
Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford$8,295$115,284*—$16,250*0.14
University of Hawaii at HiloHilo$7,838$63,776*$128,695$20,500*0.32
North Carolina Central UniversityDurham$6,542$62,022*$60,019$30,000*0.48
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia$51,340$57,889*——*—
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$57,096*—$19,046*0.33
National Median—$49,444*—$23,413*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and administration graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Pharmacists

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

$137,480/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

$103,650/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree
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 13 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.