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Ripon College vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Ripon College is a private college in Ripon, WI. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university in La Crosse, WI. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants and Ripon College about 80%, making University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 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 $20,216 at Ripon College. About 71% of students graduate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, compared with 62% at Ripon College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse alumni earn a median of about $60,378, against $54,902 for Ripon College.

Ripon College

Ripon, WI · Private

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ripon, WI
La Crosse, WI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
688
9,277
Acceptance rate
80%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1270
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
22–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,216
$16,210
Full cost / yr
$63,540
$19,593
In-state tuition
$51,900
$10,070
Out-of-state tuition
$51,900
$19,517
Application fee
$30
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,712
$8,224
$30k - $48k
$14,267
$8,766
$48k - $75k
$16,971
$10,608
$75k - $110k
$19,124
$17,394
Over $110k
$25,280
$18,991
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
71%
Freshman retention
72%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,334
$49,626
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,902
$60,378
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
14%
First-generation students
28%
21%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Ripon College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is harder to get into. It admits about 76% of applicants, compared with 80% at Ripon College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Ripon 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 $20,216 at Ripon 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 Ripon College and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
Before aid, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse costs about $19,593 a year and Ripon College about $63,540. 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, Ripon 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 $15,712 at Ripon College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Ripon College or University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is the larger of the two, with about 9,277 undergraduates against 688 at Ripon College.
Does Ripon 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 62% at Ripon College.
Do graduates of Ripon 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 $54,902 for Ripon College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Ripon College and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse require SAT or ACT scores?
Ripon College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.

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