University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee vs Saint Norbert College: which has better ROI?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,056 in 9.1 years versus 10.5 years at Saint Norbert College, on median earnings of $54,990 vs $58,363 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Saint Norbert College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,014 | $26,172 |
| Total net cost | $60,056 | $104,688 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,990 | $58,363 |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $26,731 |
| Payback | 9.1 yrs | 10.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $72,544 | $95,372 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Saint Norbert College?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, at $15,014 a year after aid versus $26,172 — a gap of $11,158 a year, or $44,632 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-Milwaukee or Saint Norbert College graduates earn more?
Saint Norbert College graduates report a median $58,363 ten years after entry, $3,373 more than the $54,990 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 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-Milwaukee or Saint Norbert College?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $26,731 at Saint Norbert College, a difference of $3,731. 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 Saint Norbert College, against 49% at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 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.