Compare 15 Sports Studies. programs in Wisconsin. Average earnings: $48,438.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Sports Studies tells a different story. Across 15 programs in Wisconsin, earnings range from $32,563 to $69,604—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Wisconsin Lutheran College's Sports Studies program leads with graduates earning $69,604, far above the state average of $48,438. University of Wisconsin-Parkside follows at $62,261, while Carroll University rounds out the top three at $60,982—demonstrating that smaller schools can deliver outsized outcomes in specialized fields.
For students, University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers the strongest value with graduates borrowing $20,492 and facing just a 7.1% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' affordability rating. Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates also enjoy excellent affordability despite higher family debt—loan payments take minimal bites from their $69,604 salaries.
Highest program earnings: $69,604
Strong outcomes ($69,604) with 79% acceptance
7.1% payment burden | Excellent
12.3% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wisconsin Lutheran CollegePrivate | $69,604 | 14 | $26,000 | Excellent | $28,443 | Manageable |
| #2 | $62,261 | 32 | $20,492 | Excellent | $13,139 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Carroll UniversityPrivate | $60,982 | 86 | $27,000 | Good | $32,186 | Challenging |
| #4 | $58,500 | 98 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $49,086 | 67 | $23,000 | Good | $16,149 | Challenging | |
| #6 | Marian UniversityPrivate | $48,047 | 23 | $25,000 | Manageable | $22,596 | High |
| #7 | Ripon CollegePrivate | $47,069 | 9 | $27,000 | Manageable | $28,995 | High |
| #8 | Carthage CollegePrivate | $46,158 | 36 | $26,000 | Manageable | $42,940 | High |
| #9 | $46,027 | 30 | $21,977 | Manageable | $15,000 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $45,324 | 117 | $20,909 | Manageable | $12,452 | Challenging | |
| #11 | $45,226 | 17 | $25,750 | Manageable | $24,831 | High | |
| #12 | $43,696 | 189 | $22,500 | Manageable | $16,958 | High | |
| #13 | Lakeland UniversityPrivate | $36,280 | 19 | $25,000 | High | $15,268 | High |
| #14 | $35,742 | 47 | $21,503 | Challenging | $14,012 | High | |
| #15 | Viterbo UniversityPrivate | $32,563 | 8 | $25,000 | High | $21,560 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
