Lakeland University vs Ripon College: which has better ROI?
Ripon College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $80,864 in 12.4 years versus 12.7 years at Lakeland University, on median earnings of $54,902 vs $55,961 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lakeland University | Ripon College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,212 | $20,216 |
| Total net cost | $96,848 | $80,864 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,961 | $54,902 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 12.7 yrs | 12.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $55,172 | $49,976 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lakeland University or Ripon College?
Ripon College, at $20,216 a year after aid versus $24,212 — a gap of $3,996 a year, or $15,984 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lakeland University or Ripon College graduates earn more?
Lakeland University graduates report a median $55,961 ten years after entry, $1,059 more than the $54,902 at Ripon College. 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, Lakeland University or Ripon College?
Lakeland University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Ripon College, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Ripon College, against 42% at Lakeland 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.