University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs Marquette University: which has better ROI?
Marquette University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $125,948 in 4.2 years versus 5.4 years at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, on median earnings of $78,257 vs $60,378 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | Marquette University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,210 | $31,487 |
| Total net cost | $64,840 | $125,948 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,378 | $78,257 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $23,940 |
| Payback | 5.4 yrs | 4.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $175,520 | $471,992 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or Marquette University?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, at $16,210 a year after aid versus $31,487 — a gap of $15,277 a year, or $61,108 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-La Crosse or Marquette University graduates earn more?
Marquette University graduates report a median $78,257 ten years after entry, $17,879 more than the $60,378 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. 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-La Crosse or Marquette University?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $23,940 at Marquette University, a difference of $1,440. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
83% of students finish at Marquette University, against 71% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. 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.