Franciscan University of Steubenville vs Wright State University-Lake Campus: which has better ROI?
Wright State University-Lake Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $44,324 in 38.9 years versus 56.5 years at Franciscan University of Steubenville, on median earnings of $49,500 vs $50,030 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Franciscan University of Steubenville | Wright State University-Lake Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,589 | $11,081 |
| Total net cost | $94,356 | $44,324 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,030 | $49,500 |
| Median debt | $23,384 | $22,750 |
| Payback | 56.5 yrs | 38.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$60,956 | -$21,524 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Franciscan University of Steubenville or Wright State University-Lake Campus?
Wright State University-Lake Campus, at $11,081 a year after aid versus $23,589 — a gap of $12,508 a year, or $50,032 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Franciscan University of Steubenville or Wright State University-Lake Campus graduates earn more?
Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates report a median $50,030 ten years after entry, $530 more than the $49,500 at Wright State University-Lake Campus. 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, Franciscan University of Steubenville or Wright State University-Lake Campus?
Wright State University-Lake Campus: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $23,384 at Franciscan University of Steubenville, a difference of $634. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at Franciscan University of Steubenville, against 41% at Wright State University-Lake Campus. 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.