Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lake Superior State University at a Glance
Lake Superior State University is a public college in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, United States. It enrolls approximately 1,600 students. Due to its proximity to the Canada–United States border, LSSU has many Canadian students and offers joint programs with Sault College and Algoma University in the twin city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada across the St. Marys River. In a sign of this close relationship with its international neighbor, LSSU flies both the Canadian and United States flags o…
1946
80 years old
$29M
US$28.6 million
1,669
115
115 acres
Identity
Is Lake Superior State University Worth It?
Lake Superior State University offers moderate value at $12,822/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $49,045, which is 9% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 54% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Lake Superior State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #24 of 107 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #4 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #5 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #6 | University of Minnesota-Morris | 90 | $8,837 | $50,919 |
| #24 | Lake Superior State University | 51 | $12,822 | $49,045 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Lake Superior State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Lake Superior State University
The highest-earning program at Lake Superior State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management at $26,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Lake Superior State University earns $56,600, while a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduate earns $26,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,631 in median debt vs. $21,889 for Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,822/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,600 | $56,600 | $26,631 |
| Fire Protection | $43,600 | $43,600 | $21,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,700 | $36,700 | $23,125 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $36,700 | $36,700 | $22,429 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,500 | $30,500 | $20,000 |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management | $26,700 | $26,700 | $21,889 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Sault Ste Marie, MI
- Student Body
- 1,325 students
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,822
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,045
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250