University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs Concordia University-Wisconsin: which has better ROI?
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 Concordia University-Wisconsin, on median earnings of $51,129 vs $56,075 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Concordia University-Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,772 | $36,201 |
| Total net cost | $47,088 | $144,804 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,129 | $56,075 |
| Median debt | $20,492 | $25,750 |
| Payback | 17 yrs | 18.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $8,292 | $9,496 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Concordia University-Wisconsin?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside, at $11,772 a year after aid versus $36,201 — a gap of $24,429 a year, or $97,716 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 Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates earn more?
Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates report a median $56,075 ten years after entry, $4,946 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 Concordia University-Wisconsin?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside: its completers carry a median $20,492 in federal loans versus $25,750 at Concordia University-Wisconsin, a difference of $5,258. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at Concordia University-Wisconsin, 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.