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Head-to-head comparison

University of Wisconsin-Superior vs Alverno College: which has better ROI?

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

Option A Superior, WI

University of Wisconsin-Superior

Net price / year
$12,220
Earnings, 10 years
$49,606
Payback
39.2 yrs

Option B Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College

Net price / year
$22,540
Earnings, 10 years
$53,145
Payback
18.8 yrs
The verdict

Alverno College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,160 in 18.8 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $53,145 vs $49,606 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-SuperiorAlverno College
Net price / yr$12,220$22,540
Total net cost$48,880$90,160
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,606$53,145
Median debt$22,500$27,000
Payback39.2 yrs18.8 yrs
20-year net return-$23,960$5,540

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College?

University of Wisconsin-Superior, at $12,220 a year after aid versus $22,540 — a gap of $10,320 a year, or $41,280 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-Superior or Alverno College graduates earn more?

Alverno College graduates report a median $53,145 ten years after entry, $3,539 more than the $49,606 at University of Wisconsin-Superior. 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-Superior or Alverno College?

University of Wisconsin-Superior: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alverno College, a difference of $4,500. 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?

49% of students finish at Alverno College, against 42% at University of Wisconsin-Superior. 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-Superior vs Alverno College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College a better value?
Alverno College. It clears its $90,160 net cost in about 18.8 years versus 39.2 years at University of Wisconsin-Superior, on median earnings of $53,145 vs $49,606 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College?
University of Wisconsin-Superior: $12,220/yr net price after aid versus $22,540/yr at Alverno College — a difference of $10,320 a year, or about $41,280 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Superior or Alverno College graduates earn more?
Alverno College graduates earn a median $53,145 ten years after entry, versus $49,606 at University of Wisconsin-Superior — a $3,539 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.