At $21,315/yr net price, Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn $54,664/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,664/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,315 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,664/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,664/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,218/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,305/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,500/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,983/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,682/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 | $62,111 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,869 | $23,118 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $31,670 | $26,495 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,984 | $26,988 |
The Risk Factor
62.7% of students at Wisconsin Lutheran College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Wisconsin Lutheran College delivers mediocre financial returns with significant risks tied to its low graduation rate and weak earnings in key programs. Your median debt of $26,000 substantially outweighs the earning potential in most majors outside nursing.
Nursing stands out as the only financially sound choice, generating $62,111 annually with manageable debt levels. Business administration offers moderate returns at $46,869, making it viable if you can secure the lower debt amounts some graduates achieve. Education majors face poor prospects at $41,937 annually while carrying $27,000 in debt. Biology majors see particularly weak returns at just $31,670, creating a troubling debt-to-income ratio.
The 62.7% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without finishing your degree. Milwaukee's job market provides decent opportunities for nursing graduates but limited high-paying options for liberal arts majors, constraining your earning potential after graduation.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing with clear career goals and can graduate on time. The 79.94% retention rate suggests most students who stay past freshman year do complete their programs. Business majors might find value if they can minimize borrowing through merit aid or family support.
Avoid Wisconsin Lutheran College if you're considering biology, communications, or education unless you have specific graduate school plans that justify the investment. The combination of moderate costs with weak earnings creates poor financial outcomes for most majors. Only 25.42% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families who don't qualify for assistance but struggle with the full cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wisconsin Lutheran College worth the tuition cost?
Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates earn a median of $54,664 ten years after graduation, which provides decent returns for the $21,315 annual net price. However, the 62.7% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish, creating significant financial risk without a degree.
What are the best paying majors at Wisconsin Lutheran College?
Nursing programs at Wisconsin Lutheran College offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $62,111 annually. Business majors earn about $46,869, while education majors make $41,937, and biology graduates earn significantly less at $31,670.
How much student debt do Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates have?
Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates typically leave with $26,000 in student debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for nursing and business graduates but may be challenging for lower-earning majors like biology.
Does Wisconsin Lutheran College have good job placement after graduation?
Wisconsin Lutheran College's 93.8% acceptance rate suggests less selective admissions, but specific job placement data isn't widely available. The nursing program likely has strong placement given healthcare demand, while other programs may face more competitive job markets.