Wright State University-Main Campus vs Lake Erie College: which has better ROI?
Lake Erie College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,844 in 40.8 years versus 54.1 years at Wright State University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $50,417 vs $49,500 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Wright State University-Main Campus | Lake Erie College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,415 | $20,961 |
| Total net cost | $61,660 | $83,844 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,500 | $50,417 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 54.1 yrs | 40.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$38,860 | -$42,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Wright State University-Main Campus or Lake Erie College?
Wright State University-Main Campus, at $15,415 a year after aid versus $20,961 — a gap of $5,546 a year, or $22,184 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Wright State University-Main Campus or Lake Erie College graduates earn more?
Lake Erie College graduates report a median $50,417 ten years after entry, $917 more than the $49,500 at Wright State University-Main Campus. 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, Wright State University-Main Campus or Lake Erie College?
Wright State University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Lake Erie College, a difference of $3,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
42% of students finish at Wright State University-Main Campus, against 38% at Lake Erie 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.