Degree Dividend
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University of Wisconsin-Stout vs Carroll University: which has better ROI?

Public, Menomonie WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Waukesha WI

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

The verdict

Carroll University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,772 in 6.3 years versus 7.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Stout, on median earnings of $58,009 vs $58,084 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-StoutCarroll University
Net price / yr$17,490$15,193
Total net cost$69,960$60,772
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,084$58,009
Median debt$23,000$27,000
Payback7.2 yrs6.3 yrs
20-year net return$124,520$132,208

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Stout or Carroll University?

Carroll University, at $15,193 a year after aid versus $17,490 — a gap of $2,297 a year, or $9,188 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-Stout or Carroll University graduates earn more?

University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates report a median $58,084 ten years after entry, $75 more than the $58,009 at Carroll University. 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-Stout or Carroll University?

University of Wisconsin-Stout: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Carroll University, a difference of $4,000. 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 Carroll University, against 55% at University of Wisconsin-Stout. 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-Stout vs Carroll University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Stout or Carroll University a better value?
Carroll University. It clears its $60,772 net cost in about 6.3 years versus 7.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Stout, on median earnings of $58,009 vs $58,084 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Stout or Carroll University?
Carroll University: $15,193/yr net price after aid versus $17,490/yr at University of Wisconsin-Stout — a difference of $2,297 a year, or about $9,188 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Stout or Carroll University graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn a median $58,084 ten years after entry, versus $58,009 at Carroll University — a $75 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.