University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse at a Glance
The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is a public research university in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. Established in 1909 as La Crosse State Normal School, it is part of the University of Wisconsin System and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
1909
117 years old
$43M
$42.7 million (2025)
10,622
120 undergrad · 947 grad
128 acres
Identity
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Worth It?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $16,210/year, it's priced 20% below average, while graduates go on to earn $60,378 — 12% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of Wisconsin-La Crosse compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #4 of 62 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 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | Southern Utah University | 72 | $10,462 | $50,296 |
| #4 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | 66 | $16,210 | $60,378 |
| #5 | Ramapo College of New Jersey | 66 | $18,173 | $67,541 |
| #6 | Rutgers University-Camden | 66 | $18,745 | $74,479 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in WI.
Best Programs at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
The highest-earning program at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $64,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Archeology at $19,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse earns $64,300, while a Archeology graduate earns $19,700. 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: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $22,118 in median debt vs. $20,521 for Archeology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,210/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 | $64,300 | $64,300 | $22,118 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $54,700 | $54,700 | $24,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,100 | $53,100 | $24,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $51,000 | $51,000 | $24,193 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $49,400 | $49,400 | $20,277 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $46,500 | $46,500 | $20,436 |
| Mathematics | $46,200 | $46,200 | $23,031 |
| Economics | $45,200 | $45,200 | $22,292 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,300 | $42,300 | $20,500 |
| Chemistry | $41,900 | $41,900 | $21,300 |
| Marketing | $38,900 | $38,900 | $24,905 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $38,200 | $38,200 | $24,459 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $37,200 | $37,200 | $21,050 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $36,100 | $36,100 | $21,646 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,700 | $35,700 | $24,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,300 | $35,300 | $25,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $34,100 | $34,100 | $23,573 |
| Biology, General | $32,600 | $32,600 | $23,063 |
| Public Health | $32,100 | $32,100 | $22,250 |
| Geography and Cartography | $31,600 | $31,600 | $26,000 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $29,900 | $29,900 | $20,673 |
| Public Administration | $29,800 | $29,800 | $20,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $29,400 | $29,400 | $25,986 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,600 | $28,600 | $23,324 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $27,400 | $27,400 | $23,250 |
| Political Science and Government | $27,300 | $27,300 | $22,000 |
| Psychology, General | $26,900 | $26,900 | $20,650 |
| Sociology | $26,700 | $26,700 | $19,471 |
| History | $24,100 | $24,100 | $22,127 |
| Archeology | $19,700 | $19,700 | $20,521 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- La Crosse, WI
- Student Body
- 9,277 students
- Admission Rate
- 76%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,210
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,378
- Median Student Debt
- $22,500