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Concordia University-Wisconsin vs University of Wisconsin-Superior: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Mequon WI · vs · Public, Superior WI

The verdict

Concordia University-Wisconsin has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,804 in 18.8 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $56,075 vs $49,606 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureConcordia University-WisconsinUniversity of Wisconsin-Superior
Net price / yr$36,201$12,220
Total net cost$144,804$48,880
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,075$49,606
Median debt$25,750$22,500
Payback18.8 yrs39.2 yrs
20-year net return$9,496-$23,960

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

Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Wisconsin or University of Wisconsin-Superior?

University of Wisconsin-Superior, at $12,220 a year after aid versus $36,201 — a gap of $23,981 a year, or $95,924 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 University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates earn more?

Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates report a median $56,075 ten years after entry, $6,469 more than the $49,606 at University of Wisconsin-Superior. 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 University of Wisconsin-Superior?

University of Wisconsin-Superior: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $25,750 at Concordia University-Wisconsin, a difference of $3,250. 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 42% at University of Wisconsin-Superior. 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 University of Wisconsin-Superior: frequently asked questions

Is Concordia University-Wisconsin or University of Wisconsin-Superior a better value?
Concordia University-Wisconsin. It clears its $144,804 net cost in about 18.8 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $56,075 vs $49,606 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Wisconsin or University of Wisconsin-Superior?
University of Wisconsin-Superior: $12,220/yr net price after aid versus $36,201/yr at Concordia University-Wisconsin — a difference of $23,981 a year, or about $95,924 over four years.
Do Concordia University-Wisconsin or University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates earn more?
Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates earn a median $56,075 ten years after entry, versus $49,606 at University of Wisconsin-Superior — a $6,469 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.