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Lake Superior State University vs Rochester Christian University: which has better ROI?

Public, Sault Ste Marie MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Rochester Hills MI

The verdict

Lake Superior State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,288 in 74.9 years versus 247.3 years at Rochester Christian University, on median earnings of $49,045 vs $48,707 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLake Superior State UniversityRochester Christian University
Net price / yr$12,822$21,456
Total net cost$51,288$85,824
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,045$48,707
Median debt$23,250$24,475
Payback74.9 yrs247.3 yrs
20-year net return-$37,588-$78,884

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

Which is cheaper, Lake Superior State University or Rochester Christian University?

Lake Superior State University, at $12,822 a year after aid versus $21,456 — a gap of $8,634 a year, or $34,536 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 Rochester Christian University graduates earn more?

Lake Superior State University graduates report a median $49,045 ten years after entry, $338 more than the $48,707 at Rochester Christian 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 Rochester Christian University?

Lake Superior State University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $24,475 at Rochester Christian University, a difference of $1,225. 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 44% at Rochester Christian 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.

Lake Superior State University vs Rochester Christian University: frequently asked questions

Is Lake Superior State University or Rochester Christian University a better value?
Lake Superior State University. It clears its $51,288 net cost in about 74.9 years versus 247.3 years at Rochester Christian University, on median earnings of $49,045 vs $48,707 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lake Superior State University or Rochester Christian University?
Lake Superior State University: $12,822/yr net price after aid versus $21,456/yr at Rochester Christian University — a difference of $8,634 a year, or about $34,536 over four years.
Do Lake Superior State University or Rochester Christian University graduates earn more?
Lake Superior State University graduates earn a median $49,045 ten years after entry, versus $48,707 at Rochester Christian University — a $338 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.