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Head-to-head comparison

University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs Wisconsin Lutheran College: which has better ROI?

Public, Kenosha WI · vs · Private nonprofit, Milwaukee WI

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

Option A Kenosha, WI

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Net price / year
$11,772
Earnings, 10 years
$51,129
Payback
17 yrs

Option B Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Net price / year
$23,245
Earnings, 10 years
$54,664
Payback
14.7 yrs
The verdict

Wisconsin Lutheran College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $92,980 in 14.7 years versus 17 years at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, on median earnings of $54,664 vs $51,129 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-ParksideWisconsin Lutheran College
Net price / yr$11,772$23,245
Total net cost$47,088$92,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,129$54,664
Median debt$20,492$26,000
Payback17 yrs14.7 yrs
20-year net return$8,292$33,100

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Wisconsin Lutheran College?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside, at $11,772 a year after aid versus $23,245 — a gap of $11,473 a year, or $45,892 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 University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn more?

Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates report a median $54,664 ten years after entry, $3,535 more than the $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 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, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Wisconsin Lutheran College?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside: its completers carry a median $20,492 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Wisconsin Lutheran College, a difference of $5,508. 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?

64% of students finish at Wisconsin Lutheran College, against 40% at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 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.

University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs Wisconsin Lutheran College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Wisconsin Lutheran College a better value?
Wisconsin Lutheran College. It clears its $92,980 net cost in about 14.7 years versus 17 years at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, on median earnings of $54,664 vs $51,129 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Wisconsin Lutheran College?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside: $11,772/yr net price after aid versus $23,245/yr at Wisconsin Lutheran College — a difference of $11,473 a year, or about $45,892 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Parkside or Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn more?
Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn a median $54,664 ten years after entry, versus $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside — a $3,535 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.