Real Estate at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Madison's Real Estate program punches well above its weight, with first-year graduates earning $73,239—a full 34% more than the national median for real estate programs and significantly ahead of Marquette, the only other major Wisconsin competitor. Among the state's four real estate programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, though more impressively, it lands in the 94th percentile nationally. The $20,500 median debt sits right at Wisconsin's average and translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28, meaning graduates earn roughly $3.50 for every dollar borrowed.
The trajectory here is particularly strong: earnings jump 38% by year four, reaching $100,995. That's unusual growth for a bachelor's program and suggests graduates are advancing quickly into management roles or high-value sales positions. The combination of moderate debt and robust earnings creates genuine financial flexibility early in graduates' careers.
The 30-100 graduate sample size means individual cohorts might vary, but the pattern is clear: this program delivers concrete career outcomes that justify its cost. For a student committed to real estate who can secure Wisconsin residency, this represents one of the strongest options in the state and competes effectively with programs across the country.
Where University of Wisconsin-Madison Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all real estate bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $73k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all real estate bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Real Estate bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $73,239 | $100,995 | $20,500 | 0.28 |
| Marquette University | $58,246 | $88,908 | $19,500 | 0.33 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | $54,061 | — | $21,220 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $54,665 | — | $21,126 | 0.39 |
Other Real Estate Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University Milwaukee | $48,700 | $58,246 | $19,500 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie | $10,142 | $54,061 | $21,220 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 82 graduates with reported earnings and 76 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.