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

Public, Superior WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Fond Du Lac WI

The verdict

Marian University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,748 in 17.1 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $53,501 vs $49,606 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-SuperiorMarian University
Net price / yr$12,220$21,937
Total net cost$48,880$87,748
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,606$53,501
Median debt$22,500$25,000
Payback39.2 yrs17.1 yrs
20-year net return-$23,960$15,072

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Superior or Marian University?

University of Wisconsin-Superior, at $12,220 a year after aid versus $21,937 — a gap of $9,717 a year, or $38,868 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 Marian University graduates earn more?

Marian University graduates report a median $53,501 ten years after entry, $3,895 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 Marian University?

University of Wisconsin-Superior: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Marian University, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

44% of students finish at Marian University, 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 Marian University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Superior or Marian University a better value?
Marian University. It clears its $87,748 net cost in about 17.1 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $53,501 vs $49,606 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Superior or Marian University?
University of Wisconsin-Superior: $12,220/yr net price after aid versus $21,937/yr at Marian University — a difference of $9,717 a year, or about $38,868 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Superior or Marian University graduates earn more?
Marian University graduates earn a median $53,501 ten years after entry, versus $49,606 at University of Wisconsin-Superior — a $3,895 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.