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Head-to-head comparison

Lawrence University vs Lakeland University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Appleton WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Plymouth WI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Appleton, WI

Lawrence University

Net price / year
$23,401
Earnings, 10 years
$55,789
Payback
12.6 yrs

Option B Plymouth, WI

Lakeland University

Net price / year
$24,212
Earnings, 10 years
$55,961
Payback
12.7 yrs
The verdict

Lawrence University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,604 in 12.6 years versus 12.7 years at Lakeland University, on median earnings of $55,789 vs $55,961 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLawrence UniversityLakeland University
Net price / yr$23,401$24,212
Total net cost$93,604$96,848
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,789$55,961
Median debt$26,000$25,000
Payback12.6 yrs12.7 yrs
20-year net return$54,976$55,172

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Lawrence University or Lakeland University?

Lawrence University, at $23,401 a year after aid versus $24,212 — a gap of $811 a year, or $3,244 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Lawrence University or Lakeland University graduates earn more?

Lakeland University graduates report a median $55,961 ten years after entry, $172 more than the $55,789 at Lawrence 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Lawrence University or Lakeland University?

Lakeland University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Lawrence University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

77% of students finish at Lawrence 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.

Lawrence University vs Lakeland University: frequently asked questions

Is Lawrence University or Lakeland University a better value?
Lawrence University. It clears its $93,604 net cost in about 12.6 years versus 12.7 years at Lakeland University, on median earnings of $55,789 vs $55,961 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lawrence University or Lakeland University?
Lawrence University: $23,401/yr net price after aid versus $24,212/yr at Lakeland University — a difference of $811 a year, or about $3,244 over four years.
Do Lawrence University or Lakeland University graduates earn more?
Lakeland University graduates earn a median $55,961 ten years after entry, versus $55,789 at Lawrence University — a $172 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.