University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs Marian University: 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 17.1 years at Marian University, on median earnings of $51,129 vs $53,501 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Marian University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,772 | $21,937 |
| Total net cost | $47,088 | $87,748 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,129 | $53,501 |
| Median debt | $20,492 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 17 yrs | 17.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $8,292 | $15,072 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Marian University?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside, at $11,772 a year after aid versus $21,937 — a gap of $10,165 a year, or $40,660 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 Marian University graduates earn more?
Marian University graduates report a median $53,501 ten years after entry, $2,372 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 Marian University?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside: its completers carry a median $20,492 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Marian University, a difference of $4,508. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
44% of students finish at Marian University, 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.