University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs Wisconsin Lutheran College: which has better ROI?
Wisconsin Lutheran College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $92,980 in 14.7 years versus 17 years at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, on median earnings of $54,664 vs $51,129 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Wisconsin Lutheran College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,772 | $23,245 |
| Total net cost | $47,088 | $92,980 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,129 | $54,664 |
| Median debt | $20,492 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 17 yrs | 14.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $8,292 | $33,100 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Wisconsin Lutheran College?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside, at $11,772 a year after aid versus $23,245 — a gap of $11,473 a year, or $45,892 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn more?
Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates report a median $54,664 ten years after entry, $3,535 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside: its completers carry a median $20,492 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Wisconsin Lutheran College, a difference of $5,508. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at Wisconsin Lutheran 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.