Lawrence 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 12.6 years at Lawrence University, on median earnings of $54,902 vs $55,789 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lawrence University | Ripon College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,401 | $20,216 |
| Total net cost | $93,604 | $80,864 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,789 | $54,902 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 12.6 yrs | 12.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $54,976 | $49,976 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lawrence University or Ripon College?
Ripon College, at $20,216 a year after aid versus $23,401 — a gap of $3,185 a year, or $12,740 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lawrence University or Ripon College graduates earn more?
Lawrence University graduates report a median $55,789 ten years after entry, $887 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, Lawrence University or Ripon College?
Lawrence University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Ripon College, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
77% of students finish at Lawrence University, against 63% at Ripon College. 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.