Lake Superior State University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

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

Lake Superior State University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (1,567 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State University or WLC? 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 WLC ($12,339 vs. $24,095).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 6.5% lower than at Wisconsin Lutheran College ($11,459 vs. $12,250).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 142.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $21,220 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 142.5% higher at WLC than at Lake Superior State University (about $21,220 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College than at Lake Superior State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students is 68.3% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($24,624 vs. $14,632).

Lake Superior State University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State University or WLC? 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 WLC and Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 10 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; WLC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WLC students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Lake Superior State University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State University and WLC? 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).

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Wisconsin Lutheran College earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.