Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Compare average net price ($16,210 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; $16,032 at University of Wisconsin-Platteville), ROI score (9.31 vs 9.63), ten-year median earnings ($60,378 vs $61,760), and admissions selectivity (75.5% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; 89.4% at University of Wisconsin-Platteville) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Wisconsin-Platteville has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. University of Wisconsin-Platteville has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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-Platteville |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.31 | 9.63 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,210 | $16,032 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,378 | $61,760 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 75.5% ✓ | 89.4% |
| Graduation rate | 71% ✓ | 55.8% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $21,977 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,277 | 5,837 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1220 ✓ | 1190 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse costs $178 more per year than University of Wisconsin-Platteville ($16,210 vs $16,032). University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates report $1,382 higher median earnings after ten years ($61,760 vs $60,378). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Platteville ahead on projected ROI (9.63 vs 9.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-Platteville) 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 89.4% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Platteville, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Platteville the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Platteville has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.63 vs 9.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Platteville is cheaper — average net price $16,032 per year vs $16,210 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The annual difference of $178 adds up to about $712 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Platteville reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $61,760 vs $60,378 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,382.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is more selective at 75.5% acceptance vs 89.4% at University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
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-Platteville reports B.