Viterbo University vs Ripon College: which has better ROI?
Viterbo University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,040 in 11.6 years versus 12.4 years at Ripon College, on median earnings of $55,660 vs $54,902 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Viterbo University | Ripon College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,260 | $20,216 |
| Total net cost | $85,040 | $80,864 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,660 | $54,902 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 11.6 yrs | 12.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $60,960 | $49,976 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Viterbo University or Ripon College?
Ripon College, at $20,216 a year after aid versus $21,260 — a gap of $1,044 a year, or $4,176 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 Ripon College graduates earn more?
Viterbo University graduates report a median $55,660 ten years after entry, $758 more than the $54,902 at Ripon College. 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 Ripon College?
Viterbo University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Ripon College, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at Viterbo University, against 63% at Ripon College. 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.