Thomas University vs LaGrange College: which has better ROI?
LaGrange College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,500 in 24.7 years versus 54.6 years at Thomas University, on median earnings of $51,745 vs $49,716 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Thomas University | LaGrange College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,499 | $20,875 |
| Total net cost | $73,996 | $83,500 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,716 | $51,745 |
| Median debt | $21,198 | $25,730 |
| Payback | 54.6 yrs | 24.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$46,876 | -$15,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Thomas University or LaGrange College?
Thomas University, at $18,499 a year after aid versus $20,875 — a gap of $2,376 a year, or $9,504 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Thomas University or LaGrange College graduates earn more?
LaGrange College graduates report a median $51,745 ten years after entry, $2,029 more than the $49,716 at Thomas 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, Thomas University or LaGrange College?
Thomas University: its completers carry a median $21,198 in federal loans versus $25,730 at LaGrange College, a difference of $4,532. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at LaGrange College, against 28% at Thomas 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.