Lakeland University
Lakeland University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lakeland University at a Glance
Lakeland University is a private university affiliated with the United Church of Christ, with its main campus in Herman, Wisconsin, United States, and seven evening, weekend, and online centers located throughout the state of Wisconsin, in Pewaukee, Madison, Wisconsin Rapids, Chippewa Falls, Neenah, Green Bay, and Sheboygan. Lakeland also has a four-year international campus in Tokyo.
1862
164 years old
$18M
$18.2 million (2025)
2,511
1,787 undergrad · 724 grad
41
240 acres
Identity
Is Lakeland University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Lakeland University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,961 — 4% above average — while paying $24,212/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lakeland University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lakeland University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #126 of 195 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #126 | Lakeland University | 28 | $24,212 | $55,961 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lakeland University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in WI.
Best Programs at Lakeland University
The highest-earning program at Lakeland University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $52,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminology at $26,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Lakeland University earns $52,500, while a Criminology graduate earns $26,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $23,559 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Criminology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,212/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $52,500 | $52,500 | $23,559 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,600 | $44,600 | $24,188 |
| Marketing | $41,500 | $41,500 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,200 | $41,200 | $26,431 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,200 | $37,200 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,700 | $28,700 | $26,551 |
| Criminology | $26,800 | $26,800 | $27,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Plymouth, WI
- Student Body
- 1,212 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,212
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,961
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000