Loyola University Chicago vs Wheaton College: which has better ROI?
Loyola University Chicago has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,316 in 6.2 years versus 7 years at Wheaton College, on median earnings of $71,530 vs $63,756 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Loyola University Chicago | Wheaton College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,079 | $26,975 |
| Total net cost | $144,316 | $107,900 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $71,530 | $63,756 |
| Median debt | $24,157 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 6.2 yrs | 7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $319,084 | $200,020 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Loyola University Chicago or Wheaton College?
Wheaton College, at $26,975 a year after aid versus $36,079 — a gap of $9,104 a year, or $36,416 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Loyola University Chicago or Wheaton College graduates earn more?
Loyola University Chicago graduates report a median $71,530 ten years after entry, $7,774 more than the $63,756 at Wheaton 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, Loyola University Chicago or Wheaton College?
Wheaton College: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $24,157 at Loyola University Chicago, a difference of $907. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
85% of students finish at Wheaton College, against 73% at Loyola University Chicago. 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.