Lake Superior State University: Is It Worth It?

Graduate earnings, costs, and ROI analysis with federal data

By Appffeine Research Team · Updated February 11, 2026

Overview

Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from Lake Superior State University actually earn.

Data last updated: February 11, 2026

| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $49,045 | | In-State Tuition | $14,266 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $14,266 | | Acceptance Rate | 68.0% | | Graduation Rate | 56.9% | | Student Population | 1,391 |

Graduate Earnings

According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for Lake Superior State University graduates is $49,045 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.

This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.

How This Compares

Compare Lake Superior State University's graduate earnings to:

  • [Similar schools in MI](/schools/mi)
  • [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
  • [National averages by major](/majors)

Cost Breakdown

Understanding the true cost of attending Lake Superior State University:

| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $14,266 | $14,266 | | Room & Board | $11,207 | $11,207 | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | $101,892 | $101,892 |

Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

ROI Analysis

To calculate your personal ROI:

  • Estimate your total cost after financial aid
  • Compare to median earnings of $49,045
  • Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
  • Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
[Calculate Your Personal ROI →](/tools/roi-calculator)

Top Majors at Lake Superior State University

The highest-earning majors at Lake Superior State University typically include:

  • Engineering and Computer Science programs
  • Business and Finance degrees
  • Healthcare and Nursing programs
[See earnings by major at Lake Superior State University →](/school/lake-superior-state-university/majors)

Similar Schools to Consider

Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:

  • Schools in MI with similar outcomes
  • Institutions with comparable admission rates
  • Universities with strong programs in your intended major
[Compare with similar schools →](/compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Superior State University worth the tuition?

With median graduate earnings of $49,045 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $101,892, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.

What percentage of Lake Superior State University students graduate?

The graduation rate at Lake Superior State University is 56.9%, which is below the national average.

How competitive is admission to Lake Superior State University?

Lake Superior State University has an acceptance rate of 68.0%.

---

Add Lake Superior State University to Your College List

Track deadlines, compare costs, and see how Lake Superior State University fits your college plan. Appffeine pulls federal earnings data so you can make an informed decision.

Limited time: Free-for-1-Year access for early families — full access to all features, unlimited schools, and family collaboration included. Spots are limited.

[Add to My List →](/api/login)

---

This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.