University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs University of Wisconsin-Superior: 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 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $51,129 vs $49,606 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | University of Wisconsin-Superior |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,772 | $12,220 |
| Total net cost | $47,088 | $48,880 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,129 | $49,606 |
| Median debt | $20,492 | $22,500 |
| Payback | 17 yrs | 39.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $8,292 | -$23,960 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or University of Wisconsin-Superior?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside, at $11,772 a year after aid versus $12,220 — a gap of $448 a year, or $1,792 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 University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates report a median $51,129 ten years after entry, $1,523 more than the $49,606 at University of Wisconsin-Superior. 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 University of Wisconsin-Superior?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside: its completers carry a median $20,492 in federal loans versus $22,500 at University of Wisconsin-Superior, a difference of $2,008. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
42% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Superior, 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.