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

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

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,476 in 12.8 years versus 14.7 years at Wisconsin Lutheran College, on median earnings of $52,528 vs $54,664 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-Green BayWisconsin Lutheran College
Net price / yr$13,369$23,245
Total net cost$53,476$92,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,528$54,664
Median debt$18,500$26,000
Payback12.8 yrs14.7 yrs
20-year net return$29,884$33,100

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

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

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, at $13,369 a year after aid versus $23,245 — a gap of $9,876 a year, or $39,504 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates report a median $54,664 ten years after entry, $2,136 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Wisconsin Lutheran College, a difference of $7,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Wisconsin Lutheran 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Wisconsin Lutheran College a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. It clears its $53,476 net cost in about 12.8 years versus 14.7 years at Wisconsin Lutheran College, on median earnings of $52,528 vs $54,664 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Wisconsin Lutheran College?
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: $13,369/yr net price after aid versus $23,245/yr at Wisconsin Lutheran College — a difference of $9,876 a year, or about $39,504 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn more?
Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn a median $54,664 ten years after entry, versus $52,528 at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — a $2,136 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.