Skip to content

Northland College vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Northland College is a private college in Ashland, WI. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university in La Crosse, WI. Northland College admits about 75% of applicants and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse about 76%, making Northland College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,210 a year at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse after aid, and about $36,119 at Northland College. About 71% of students graduate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, compared with 46% at Northland College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse alumni earn a median of about $60,378, against $44,560 for Northland College.

Northland College

Ashland, WI · Private

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ashland, WI
La Crosse, WI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
269
9,277
Acceptance rate
75%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1140
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
22–27
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,119
$16,210
Full cost / yr
$56,889
$19,593
In-state tuition
$44,403
$10,070
Out-of-state tuition
$44,403
$19,517
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,842
$8,224
$30k - $48k
$22,695
$8,766
$48k - $75k
$21,581
$10,608
$75k - $110k
$47,714
$17,394
Over $110k
$56,889
$18,991
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
71%
Freshman retention
31%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,819
$49,626
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,560
$60,378
Median debt at graduation
$25,450
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
14%
First-generation students
20%
21%
International students
8%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Northland College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse harder to get into?
Northland College is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 76% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Northland College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,210 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,119 at Northland College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Northland College and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
Before aid, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse costs about $19,593 a year and Northland College about $56,889. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Northland College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,224 there, against about $16,842 at Northland College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Northland College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is the larger of the two, with about 9,277 undergraduates against 269 at Northland College.
Does Northland College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse have a better graduation rate?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 46% at Northland College.
Do graduates of Northland College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse earn more?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,378 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,560 for Northland College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northland College and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse require SAT or ACT scores?
Northland College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school