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University of Wisconsin-Green Bay vs Ripon College: which has better ROI?

Public, Green Bay WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Ripon WI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Ripon College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $80,864 in 12.4 years versus 12.8 years at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, on median earnings of $54,902 vs $52,528 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-Green BayRipon College
Net price / yr$13,369$20,216
Total net cost$53,476$80,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,528$54,902
Median debt$18,500$27,000
Payback12.8 yrs12.4 yrs
20-year net return$29,884$49,976

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Ripon College?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, at $13,369 a year after aid versus $20,216 — a gap of $6,847 a year, or $27,388 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Ripon College graduates earn more?

Ripon College graduates report a median $54,902 ten years after entry, $2,374 more than the $52,528 at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. 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, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Ripon College?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Ripon College, a difference of $8,500. 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 48% at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. 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.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay vs Ripon College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Ripon College a better value?
Ripon College. It clears its $80,864 net cost in about 12.4 years versus 12.8 years at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, on median earnings of $54,902 vs $52,528 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Ripon College?
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: $13,369/yr net price after aid versus $20,216/yr at Ripon College — a difference of $6,847 a year, or about $27,388 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Ripon College graduates earn more?
Ripon College graduates earn a median $54,902 ten years after entry, versus $52,528 at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — a $2,374 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.