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University of Wisconsin-River Falls vs Saint Norbert College: which has better ROI?

Public, River Falls WI · vs · Private nonprofit, De Pere WI

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

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-River Falls has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,216 in 9.2 years versus 10.5 years at Saint Norbert College, on median earnings of $54,458 vs $58,363 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-River FallsSaint Norbert College
Net price / yr$14,054$26,172
Total net cost$56,216$104,688
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,458$58,363
Median debt$20,500$26,731
Payback9.2 yrs10.5 yrs
20-year net return$65,744$95,372

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-River Falls or Saint Norbert College?

University of Wisconsin-River Falls, at $14,054 a year after aid versus $26,172 — a gap of $12,118 a year, or $48,472 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-River Falls or Saint Norbert College graduates earn more?

Saint Norbert College graduates report a median $58,363 ten years after entry, $3,905 more than the $54,458 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. 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-River Falls or Saint Norbert College?

University of Wisconsin-River Falls: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $26,731 at Saint Norbert College, a difference of $6,231. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Saint Norbert College, against 57% at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. 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-River Falls vs Saint Norbert College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-River Falls or Saint Norbert College a better value?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls. It clears its $56,216 net cost in about 9.2 years versus 10.5 years at Saint Norbert College, on median earnings of $54,458 vs $58,363 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-River Falls or Saint Norbert College?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls: $14,054/yr net price after aid versus $26,172/yr at Saint Norbert College — a difference of $12,118 a year, or about $48,472 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-River Falls or Saint Norbert College graduates earn more?
Saint Norbert College graduates earn a median $58,363 ten years after entry, versus $54,458 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls — a $3,905 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.