La Crosse, WI · Private University
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$60,378
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,651
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,691
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$74,764
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.23x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
71.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,374
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates earn $15,378 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ranked by graduate earnings
55 graduates
21 graduates
17 graduates
34 graduates
98 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $84,506) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $28,536) is $55,970/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $84,506 | 4.5x |
| Physics | $70,182 | 3.8x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $69,666 | 3.7x |
| Insurance | $68,766 | 3.7x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $68,666 | 3.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $68,207 | 3.6x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $65,980 | 3.5x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $65,752 | 3.5x |
| Mathematics | $65,134 | 3.5x |
| Economics | $57,423 | 3.1x |
| Biology, General | $57,123 | 3.1x |
| Marketing | $56,901 | 3.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,500 | 3.0x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,597 | 2.7x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $50,331 | 2.7x |
| Political Science and Government | $49,953 | 2.7x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $49,463 | 2.6x |
| Psychology, General | $47,929 | 2.6x |
| Public Administration | $47,804 | 2.6x |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $46,419 | 2.5x |
| Geography and Cartography | $45,633 | 2.4x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $45,203 | 2.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $44,660 | 2.4x |
| Sociology | $44,586 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $44,538 | 2.4x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $44,151 | 2.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,696 | 2.3x |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $43,266 | 2.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,241 | 2.3x |
| Public Health | $42,887 | 2.3x |
| History | $40,945 | 2.2x |
| Archeology | $34,960 | 1.9x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $28,536 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $60,378 10 years after starting, $15,378 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.9 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.