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University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs Alverno College: which has better ROI?

Public, Kenosha WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Milwaukee WI

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

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Parkside has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $47,088 in 17 years versus 18.8 years at Alverno College, on median earnings of $51,129 vs $53,145 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-ParksideAlverno College
Net price / yr$11,772$22,540
Total net cost$47,088$90,160
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,129$53,145
Median debt$20,492$27,000
Payback17 yrs18.8 yrs
20-year net return$8,292$5,540

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Alverno College?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside, at $11,772 a year after aid versus $22,540 — a gap of $10,768 a year, or $43,072 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-Parkside or Alverno College graduates earn more?

Alverno College graduates report a median $53,145 ten years after entry, $2,016 more than the $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 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-Parkside or Alverno College?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside: its completers carry a median $20,492 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alverno College, a difference of $6,508. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at Alverno College, against 40% at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 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-Parkside vs Alverno College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Alverno College a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside. It clears its $47,088 net cost in about 17 years versus 18.8 years at Alverno College, on median earnings of $51,129 vs $53,145 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Alverno College?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside: $11,772/yr net price after aid versus $22,540/yr at Alverno College — a difference of $10,768 a year, or about $43,072 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Alverno College graduates earn more?
Alverno College graduates earn a median $53,145 ten years after entry, versus $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside — a $2,016 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.