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Head-to-head comparison

Lewis University vs University of St Francis: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Romeoville IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Joliet IL

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

Option A Romeoville, IL

Lewis University

Net price / year
$17,028
Earnings, 10 years
$66,099
Payback
3.8 yrs

Option B Joliet, IL

University of St Francis

Net price / year
$13,006
Earnings, 10 years
$63,926
Payback
3.3 yrs
The verdict

University of St Francis has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $52,024 in 3.3 years versus 3.8 years at Lewis University, on median earnings of $63,926 vs $66,099 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLewis UniversityUniversity of St Francis
Net price / yr$17,028$13,006
Total net cost$68,112$52,024
Median earnings, 10 yrs$66,099$63,926
Median debt$21,500$21,079
Payback3.8 yrs3.3 yrs
20-year net return$286,668$259,296

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Lewis University or University of St Francis?

University of St Francis, at $13,006 a year after aid versus $17,028 — a gap of $4,022 a year, or $16,088 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 Lewis University or University of St Francis graduates earn more?

Lewis University graduates report a median $66,099 ten years after entry, $2,173 more than the $63,926 at University of St Francis. 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, Lewis University or University of St Francis?

University of St Francis: its completers carry a median $21,079 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Lewis University, a difference of $421. 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?

67% of students finish at University of St Francis, against 67% at Lewis 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.

Lewis University vs University of St Francis: frequently asked questions

Is Lewis University or University of St Francis a better value?
University of St Francis. It clears its $52,024 net cost in about 3.3 years versus 3.8 years at Lewis University, on median earnings of $63,926 vs $66,099 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lewis University or University of St Francis?
University of St Francis: $13,006/yr net price after aid versus $17,028/yr at Lewis University — a difference of $4,022 a year, or about $16,088 over four years.
Do Lewis University or University of St Francis graduates earn more?
Lewis University graduates earn a median $66,099 ten years after entry, versus $63,926 at University of St Francis — a $2,173 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.