At $15,374/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates earn $60,378/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,378/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,374 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,496 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,378/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,378/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,798/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,794/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,175/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,528/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,538/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | Master | $171,020 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,308 | $37,488 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,725 | $56,065 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $68,592 | $21,470 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $58,479 | $19,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $25,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,159 | $20,518 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $56,776 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $54,531 | $20,272 |
The Risk Factor
71.2% of students at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse delivers solid financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $60,378 against a manageable net price of $15,374 annually. The school's 71% graduation rate means most students complete their degrees and enter the workforce.
Biology majors earn strongly well at $171,020 annually, making this program one of the strongest ROI options in the state. Allied health programs also pay off handsomely at $101,308, though you'll carry higher debt at $37,488. Business administration graduates earn $73,949, providing steady middle-class incomes. Computer science offers good value with $68,592 earnings and relatively low debt of $21,470.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions present a financial risk, with graduates earning $69,725 while carrying heavy debt loads of $56,065. This debt-to-income ratio could strain your budget for years after graduation.
The school works best financially for Wisconsin residents targeting healthcare, business, or STEM fields. Out-of-state students should calculate carefully whether the premium tuition justifies the outcomes. With only 14% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships are limited, making this primarily a full-pay proposition for middle-income families.
La Crosse's location limits job market access compared to Milwaukee or Minneapolis, which could affect salary growth over time. If you're banking on the highest-paying biology programs or need significant financial aid, you'll find better options elsewhere. For Wisconsin residents seeking practical degrees with reasonable debt loads, La Crosse provides dependable value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse worth the cost?
UW-La Crosse offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $15,374 and median debt of $22,500. Graduates earn $60,378 ten years out, which creates manageable debt-to-income ratios for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
Biology leads with $171,020 in median earnings, while allied health programs bring in $101,308. Business and computer science graduates earn significantly less at around $69,000-$74,000.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates have?
The median debt is $22,500, which is reasonable given the school's low net price. This debt level is manageable for most graduates earning the median $60,378 salary.
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
UW-La Crosse has a 71% graduation rate, which means about three in ten students don't finish their degree. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially if you're considering higher-debt programs.