Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Compare average net price ($16,210 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; $11,772 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside), ROI score (9.31 vs 10.86), ten-year median earnings ($60,378 vs $51,129), and admissions selectivity (75.5% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; 75.4% at University of Wisconsin-Parkside) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Wisconsin-Parkside has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. University of Wisconsin-Parkside leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | University of Wisconsin-Parkside |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.31 | 10.86 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,210 | $11,772 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,378 ✓ | $51,129 |
| Acceptance rate | 75.5% | 75.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 71% ✓ | 40.4% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $20,492 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,277 | 2,844 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1220 ✓ | 1090 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse costs $4,438 more per year than University of Wisconsin-Parkside ($16,210 vs $11,772). University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates report $9,249 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,378 vs $51,129). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Parkside ahead on projected ROI (10.86 vs 9.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-Parkside) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is accessible at 75.5% acceptance versus 75.4% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Parkside, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Parkside the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.86 vs 9.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside is cheaper — average net price $11,772 per year vs $16,210 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The annual difference of $4,438 adds up to about $17,752 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,378 vs $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,249.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside is more selective at 75.4% acceptance vs 75.5% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reports a B value grade; University of Wisconsin-Parkside reports A.