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University of Wisconsin-Superior vs Alverno College: which has better ROI?

Public, Superior WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Milwaukee WI

The verdict

Alverno College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,160 in 18.8 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $53,145 vs $49,606 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-SuperiorAlverno College
Net price / yr$12,220$22,540
Total net cost$48,880$90,160
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,606$53,145
Median debt$22,500$27,000
Payback39.2 yrs18.8 yrs
20-year net return-$23,960$5,540

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College?

University of Wisconsin-Superior, at $12,220 a year after aid versus $22,540 — a gap of $10,320 a year, or $41,280 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-Superior or Alverno College graduates earn more?

Alverno College graduates report a median $53,145 ten years after entry, $3,539 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-Superior or Alverno College?

University of Wisconsin-Superior: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alverno College, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at Alverno College, against 42% at University of Wisconsin-Superior. 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-Superior vs Alverno College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College a better value?
Alverno College. It clears its $90,160 net cost in about 18.8 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $53,145 vs $49,606 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College?
University of Wisconsin-Superior: $12,220/yr net price after aid versus $22,540/yr at Alverno College — a difference of $10,320 a year, or about $41,280 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College graduates earn more?
Alverno College graduates earn a median $53,145 ten years after entry, versus $49,606 at University of Wisconsin-Superior — a $3,539 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.