Students at Lakeland University consistently earn more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's focused approach to career preparation and employer relationships.
This earnings advantage, combined with manageable debt levels and strong repayment outcomes, creates reliable financial value for graduates.
Lakeland University is a small private nonprofit institution in Plymouth, Wisconsin, that emphasizes personalized education and career-focused programs. With just over 1,000 students, the university creates an intimate learning environment where nearly 44% of students are first-generation college attendees and about 29% receive Pell Grants, reflecting its commitment to serving students from diverse backgrounds.
Graduates earn a median of $55,961 ten years after enrollment, which places the university around the 60th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. What distinguishes Lakeland is its ability to help students earn about $5,483 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating meaningful earnings beyond expectations. The university's focused program portfolio, led by business administration, accounting, and artificial intelligence, provides clear pathways to stable careers.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Lakeland combines moderate access with steady outcomes, particularly for students who thrive in smaller academic communities. The university's Wisconsin location and strong regional employer connections help graduates transition effectively into the workforce, making it a solid choice for students seeking personalized attention and practical career preparation.
Lakeland University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that connect directly to regional employment opportunities. Business Administration and Management dominates with 207 graduates, representing the university's largest program and highest aggregate return at nearly $9 million. These graduates earn a median of $43,207, providing solid entry into management and business roles across Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Accounting Technology serves as another cornerstone program, graduating 98 students annually with median earnings of $45,207. This program reflects Lakeland's emphasis on professional preparation and technical skills that translate directly to employment. The emerging Artificial Intelligence program, though smaller with 52 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $55,625, positioning the university at the forefront of technology education.
These three programs demonstrate Lakeland's strategic focus on fields with clear career pathways and strong regional demand. The university's small size allows for concentrated resources and personalized attention within each program, helping explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings beyond expectations. This focused approach creates meaningful value for students seeking practical education that leads directly to stable, well-paying careers.
Lakeland University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $55,961 ten years after enrollment. More importantly, graduates earn about $5,483 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the university in a strong position for earnings beyond expectations. This earnings advantage reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and strong employer relationships in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Business Administration and Management leads with 207 graduates earning a median of $43,207, creating the highest aggregate return among all programs. Accounting Technology graduates 98 students annually with median earnings of $45,207, while the emerging Artificial Intelligence program, though smaller with 52 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $55,625. These three programs represent the core of Lakeland's career-focused approach, combining substantial enrollment with competitive pay outcomes.
The university's small size allows for concentrated resources and personalized career services, which helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. With 277 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Lakeland demonstrates that a focused, personal approach to education can translate into meaningful financial success for students across its key program areas.
Lakeland University offers relatively affordable access across income levels, with net prices that make private education accessible to many families. Low-income students pay about $17,150 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $14,130 per year, which is notably lower than the low-income price and reflects the university's aid distribution strategy. Even high-income families pay $27,389, which remains competitive for a private institution.
Debt levels are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $25,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $12,897. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations. With median earnings of nearly $56,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms comfortably, and the loan repayment trajectory shows steady progress with borrowers consistently outperforming national averages for balance reduction in the early years after graduation.
Lakeland University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
