University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Stout: which has better ROI?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $64,840 in 5.4 years versus 7.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Stout, on median earnings of $60,378 vs $58,084 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | University of Wisconsin-Stout |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,210 | $17,490 |
| Total net cost | $64,840 | $69,960 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,378 | $58,084 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $23,000 |
| Payback | 5.4 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $175,520 | $124,520 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Stout?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, at $16,210 a year after aid versus $17,490 — a gap of $1,280 a year, or $5,120 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 University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates report a median $60,378 ten years after entry, $2,294 more than the $58,084 at University of Wisconsin-Stout. 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 University of Wisconsin-Stout?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $23,000 at University of Wisconsin-Stout, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, against 55% at University of Wisconsin-Stout. 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.