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Nursing at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $75,513/yr (0% vs median)

AI Risk High (39% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

ROI 17.3x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #246 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$776K	$774K	$684K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.3x	17.3x	15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.8x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	87%	86%	64%
DegreeOutlook Score	85	85	82

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,820

Out-of-state: $162,412 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,712

-51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,659

3.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$81,103

7% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $75,513 track close to the $75,273 national median for Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 17.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,659 in median debt against $75,513 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #246 among 990 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $75,513 to $81,103 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective, serving a student body of 35,665 in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr

Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr

Nurse midwives $128,790/yr

View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 85/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

At 85/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison one of the best schools for Nursing?

Among 990 Nursing programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison's #246 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →