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Concordia University-Wisconsin vs Marian University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Mequon WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Fond Du Lac WI

The verdict

Marian University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,748 in 17.1 years versus 18.8 years at Concordia University-Wisconsin, on median earnings of $53,501 vs $56,075 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureConcordia University-WisconsinMarian University
Net price / yr$36,201$21,937
Total net cost$144,804$87,748
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,075$53,501
Median debt$25,750$25,000
Payback18.8 yrs17.1 yrs
20-year net return$9,496$15,072

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Wisconsin or Marian University?

Marian University, at $21,937 a year after aid versus $36,201 — a gap of $14,264 a year, or $57,056 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Concordia University-Wisconsin or Marian University graduates earn more?

Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates report a median $56,075 ten years after entry, $2,574 more than the $53,501 at Marian University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Concordia University-Wisconsin or Marian University?

Marian University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $25,750 at Concordia University-Wisconsin, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Concordia University-Wisconsin, against 44% at Marian University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Concordia University-Wisconsin vs Marian University: frequently asked questions

Is Concordia University-Wisconsin or Marian University a better value?
Marian University. It clears its $87,748 net cost in about 17.1 years versus 18.8 years at Concordia University-Wisconsin, on median earnings of $53,501 vs $56,075 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Wisconsin or Marian University?
Marian University: $21,937/yr net price after aid versus $36,201/yr at Concordia University-Wisconsin — a difference of $14,264 a year, or about $57,056 over four years.
Do Concordia University-Wisconsin or Marian University graduates earn more?
Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates earn a median $56,075 ten years after entry, versus $53,501 at Marian University — a $2,574 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.