At $22,092/yr net price, Lakeland University graduates earn $55,961/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,961/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,092 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,961/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,961/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,150/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,083/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,130/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,082/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,389/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,689 | $36,321 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $55,625 | $22,362 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $45,207 | $25,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,091 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,207 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $40,305 | $59,217 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,909 | $43,156 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,490 |
The Risk Factor
55.7% of students at Lakeland 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
Lakeland University delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its private school price tag. With median earnings of just $55,961 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
Business Administration offers the strongest earning potential at $60,689, but comes saddled with $36,321 in debt that undermines the advantage. Computer Science provides better value with similar earnings but significantly lower debt at $22,362. Marketing and Accounting graduates face particularly poor prospects, earning in the mid-40s while carrying $25,000 in loans.
The 55.7% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree. The low 66.5% retention rate signals student dissatisfaction and suggests many discover the value proposition doesn't work after their first year.
You face additional risk from Lakeland's limited regional employer network in rural Wisconsin. The school's small size means fewer alumni connections and recruiting relationships compared to larger state universities that cost significantly less.
Only 29% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited scholarship opportunities. If your family qualifies for substantial need-based aid that brings your net price well below the $22,092 average, the math might work. Otherwise, Wisconsin's public universities offer better career outcomes at lower cost.
This school makes financial sense only for students with significant family financial support who value small class sizes above economic return. If you need loans to attend or your family income puts you in the middle class squeeze, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakeland University worth the cost?
Lakeland University's graduates earn $55,961 ten years after graduation, which is modest for a $22,092 annual net price. With only a 56% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, the financial return is weak compared to similar schools.
What are the best paying majors at Lakeland University?
Business Administration leads at $60,689 in post-graduation earnings, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $55,964. Accounting and Marketing majors earn significantly less at $45,207 and $44,091 respectively.
How much debt do Lakeland University students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable but concerning given the school's low 56% graduation rate. Nearly half of students don't finish their degree, meaning they face debt without the earning boost of a completed program.
Does Lakeland University have good financial aid?
The net price of $22,092 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, with a 99% acceptance rate, the school admits almost everyone, which often correlates with less selective aid distribution.