Lakeland University
Lakeland University is a private nonprofit university in Plymouth, WI ranked #1477 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 1,212 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.3%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 63.3% first-year retention, and 42.4% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $24,212, about $7,214 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -48.8%, roughly 134.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,546. That's about $5,858 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Lakeland University has an acceptance rate of 86.3%, annual tuition of $33,396, average net price of $24,212, and a national rank of #1477 (Grade C+), with a 42.4% six-year graduation rate, about 1,212 undergraduates, and median earnings of $49,546 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Lakeland University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lakeland University graduates 42.4% of students within six years and keeps 63.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lakeland University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $33,396 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,140 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,482 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,840 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.1% of Lakeland University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $22,453 to $28,054 depending on family income. Use Lakeland University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,332/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,054/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,546
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,546
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.1%
- Employment Rate 93.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lakeland University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lakeland University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lakeland University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lakeland University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lakeland University graduates earn $49,546 median, the -48.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,212
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 63.3%
- Graduation Rate 42.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Lakeland University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lakeland University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.3%, Lakeland University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.3% acceptance rate, Lakeland University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lakeland University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Accounting and Related Services, and Computer and Information Sciences, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 38.8%
- Accounting and Related Services 18.4%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 9.7%
- Marketing 7.3%
- Psychology, General 6.2%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.6%
See more majors
- Criminology 3.0%
- Management Information Systems and Services 2.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $75,642
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $61,825
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $58,939
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Marketing $58,882
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $53,641
- 6. Criminology $51,709
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $48,830
- 8. Psychology, General $48,637
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $41,523
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $79,761
- 2. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $55,277
- 3. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $50,421
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $75,642—82% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($41,523). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $79,761 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lakeland University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (14 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biology, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Music
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)â–¼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,212
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.1%
- Female Students 54.9%
- Caucasian 63.2%
- Asian 4.1%
- Hispanic 9.3%
- Black 10.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lakeland University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lakeland University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lakeland University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lakeland University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lakeland University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lakeland University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lakeland University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -48.8% ROI. Ranked #1477 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,212 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,546 median earnings. With 42.4% graduating within six years and 63.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lakeland University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1477 ranking, Lakeland University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,212 annually, Lakeland University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 63.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,948 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -48.8% ROI and $49,546 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,212+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lakeland University ranks #1477 of 6101 institutions, with 1001 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 42.4% six-year graduation rate sits 20.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 63.3% first-year retention is 13.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -48.8% return on investment is 134.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,546 run about 13% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,212 is roughly $6,815 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 63.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.0% employment rate within three years sits 24.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,212 is about $6,815 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.1% trails the national share by 14.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Plymouth, WI, Lakeland University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It holds a #1477 national ranking Category results include Completion (C+), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
63.3% of learners come back after year one while 42.4% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -48.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,212 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,840.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,628 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $49,546 at the median. That sits about 13% above the national median.
Roughly 93.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -48.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lakeland University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lakeland University's acceptance rate?
Lakeland University's acceptance rate is 86.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Lakeland University cost?
At Lakeland University, listed tuition and fees are $33,396 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,212. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Lakeland University's ranking?
Lakeland University ranks #1477 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Lakeland University's graduation rate?
At Lakeland University, the six-year graduation rate is 42.4%, and first-year retention is 63.3%.
What are Lakeland University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Lakeland University report median earnings of $49,546 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Lakeland University's student population?
Lakeland University enrolls about 1,212 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Plymouth, WI 53073
- Website www.lakeland.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$19.8M