At $14,368/yr net price, Lake Superior State University graduates earn $49,045/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,045/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,368 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,045/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,045/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,949/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,477/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,862/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,261/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,766/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,601 | $25,000 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,639 | $22,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $36,312 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $35,988 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $22,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
56.9% of students at Lake Superior State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lake Superior State University delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice. The $14,368 annual net price creates a manageable debt load, but median earnings of $49,045 put this school in the lower tier for long-term earning potential.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $58,601 in median earnings against $25,000 in debt. Fire Protection also performs well at $47,260, though debt data isn't available for comparison. Criminal Justice graduates earn $39,639 with $22,500 in debt, creating a reasonable but unspectacular return. Marketing and Accounting programs show concerning patterns, with graduates earning in the mid-thirties despite taking on significant debt.
The 56% graduation rate poses serious financial risk. You face nearly even odds of completing your degree, and the 69% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled. This creates a real possibility of accumulating debt without earning credentials.
LSSU works financially for nursing students and those targeting specific technical fields like fire protection. The school's location in Michigan's Upper Peninsula limits job market access, making career services and networking important for graduate success. Students considering liberal arts or business programs should examine alternatives with stronger earning outcomes.
Only 29% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial assistance beyond standard federal programs. Merit opportunities appear restricted, making this school most suitable for Michigan residents who qualify for in-state rates and students whose families can manage the net price without extensive borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Superior State University worth the cost?
Lake Superior State University offers reasonable value with a net price of $14,368 per year and graduates earning $49,045 annually after 10 years. The nursing and fire protection programs provide the strongest returns, while other majors like marketing and accounting show weaker earning potential relative to debt.
What is the return on investment for Lake Superior State University graduates?
LSSU graduates earn about $49,000 annually 10 years after graduation with median debt of $23,250. Nursing graduates earn $58,601, making it the most financially viable program, while criminal justice and business majors earn significantly less.
How much debt do Lake Superior State University students typically have?
LSSU students graduate with a median debt of $23,250. This is manageable for nursing and fire protection majors who earn higher salaries, but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like criminal justice and marketing.
Which Lake Superior State University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at LSSU provide the strongest career outcomes with graduates earning $58,601 annually. Fire protection also offers solid returns at $47,260, while business-related majors like marketing and accounting show weaker earning potential.