Lake Superior State University vs. Carthage

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI with Carthage College in Kenosha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carthage College is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (2,844 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Carthage College is in Kenosha, WI (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carthage College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Carthage College 14:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. Carthage Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State University or Carthage? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lake Superior State University than Carthage ($12,339 vs. $27,066).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 14.8% lower than at Carthage College ($11,459 vs. $13,450).
• Carthage College is 160.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $23,860 more per year; $38,750.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 160.2% higher at Carthage than at Lake Superior State University (about $23,860 more per year; $38,750.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carthage College than at Lake Superior State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carthage College students is 62.5% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($23,784 vs. $14,632).

Lake Superior State University vs. Carthage Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State University or Carthage? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carthage and Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 10 points higher than at Carthage (1100).
• Incoming Lake Superior State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Carthage (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Carthage College 1000/1205.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26; Carthage College 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; Carthage - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carthage students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Lake Superior State University vs. Carthage Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State University and Carthage? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Carthage College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Carthage College earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,800 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Carthage graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carthage graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Carthage graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.