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Viterbo University vs Lakeland University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, La Crosse WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Plymouth WI

The verdict

Viterbo University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,040 in 11.6 years versus 12.7 years at Lakeland University, on median earnings of $55,660 vs $55,961 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureViterbo UniversityLakeland University
Net price / yr$21,260$24,212
Total net cost$85,040$96,848
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,660$55,961
Median debt$25,000$25,000
Payback11.6 yrs12.7 yrs
20-year net return$60,960$55,172

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

Which is cheaper, Viterbo University or Lakeland University?

Viterbo University, at $21,260 a year after aid versus $24,212 — a gap of $2,952 a year, or $11,808 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Viterbo University or Lakeland University graduates earn more?

Lakeland University graduates report a median $55,961 ten years after entry, $301 more than the $55,660 at Viterbo 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, Viterbo University or Lakeland University?

Completers at both borrow a median $25,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Viterbo University, against 42% at Lakeland University. 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.

Viterbo University vs Lakeland University: frequently asked questions

Is Viterbo University or Lakeland University a better value?
Viterbo University. It clears its $85,040 net cost in about 11.6 years versus 12.7 years at Lakeland University, on median earnings of $55,660 vs $55,961 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Viterbo University or Lakeland University?
Viterbo University: $21,260/yr net price after aid versus $24,212/yr at Lakeland University — a difference of $2,952 a year, or about $11,808 over four years.
Do Viterbo University or Lakeland University graduates earn more?
Lakeland University graduates earn a median $55,961 ten years after entry, versus $55,660 at Viterbo University — a $301 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.