Lake Superior State University vs Concordia University Ann Arbor: which has better ROI?
Concordia University Ann Arbor has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $131,244 in 17 years versus 74.9 years at Lake Superior State University, on median earnings of $56,075 vs $49,045 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lake Superior State University | Concordia University Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,822 | $32,811 |
| Total net cost | $51,288 | $131,244 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,045 | $56,075 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $25,750 |
| Payback | 74.9 yrs | 17 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$37,588 | $23,056 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lake Superior State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor?
Lake Superior State University, at $12,822 a year after aid versus $32,811 — a gap of $19,989 a year, or $79,956 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lake Superior State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates report a median $56,075 ten years after entry, $7,030 more than the $49,045 at Lake Superior State 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, Lake Superior State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor?
Lake Superior State University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,750 at Concordia University Ann Arbor, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at Lake Superior State University, against 48% at Concordia University Ann Arbor. 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.