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Lawrence University vs Viterbo University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Appleton WI · vs · Private nonprofit, La Crosse WI

The verdict

Viterbo University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,040 in 11.6 years versus 12.6 years at Lawrence University, on median earnings of $55,660 vs $55,789 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLawrence UniversityViterbo University
Net price / yr$23,401$21,260
Total net cost$93,604$85,040
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,789$55,660
Median debt$26,000$25,000
Payback12.6 yrs11.6 yrs
20-year net return$54,976$60,960

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

Which is cheaper, Lawrence University or Viterbo University?

Viterbo University, at $21,260 a year after aid versus $23,401 — a gap of $2,141 a year, or $8,564 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 Viterbo University graduates earn more?

Lawrence University graduates report a median $55,789 ten years after entry, $129 more than the $55,660 at Viterbo 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, Lawrence University or Viterbo University?

Viterbo University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Lawrence University, 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 68% at Viterbo 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.

Lawrence University vs Viterbo University: frequently asked questions

Is Lawrence University or Viterbo University a better value?
Viterbo University. It clears its $85,040 net cost in about 11.6 years versus 12.6 years at Lawrence University, on median earnings of $55,660 vs $55,789 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lawrence University or Viterbo University?
Viterbo University: $21,260/yr net price after aid versus $23,401/yr at Lawrence University — a difference of $2,141 a year, or about $8,564 over four years.
Do Lawrence University or Viterbo University graduates earn more?
Lawrence University graduates earn a median $55,789 ten years after entry, versus $55,660 at Viterbo University — a $129 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.