University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,604
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,626/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
658%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has an in-state tuition of $9,651. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $43,472, increasing to $49,626 after five years and $60,378 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $22,500. Forty-four percent of students receive financial aid.
Based on the median debt and one-year earnings, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.52. The break-even point, calculated by dividing the median debt by the difference between one-year earnings and tuition, is roughly one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,651
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,626
Graduation Rate
71%
Receive Financial Aid
44%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | $181,793 | 7505% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $46,881 | 516% |
| Psychology, General | $47,929 | 570% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $65,752 | 1493% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $58,421 | 1113% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $76,362 | 2043% |
| Marketing | $56,901 | 1035% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $115,182 | 4054% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,500 | 1014% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,597 | 708% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $68,207 | 1620% |
| Public Health | $42,887 | 309% |
Peer Comparison
658%
20yr ROI
653%
20yr ROI
683%
20yr ROI
125%
20yr ROI
405%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.