WLC vs. AMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI with Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ave Maria University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (1,423 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wisconsin Lutheran College is located in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting); Ave Maria University is in Ave Maria, FL (Distant Rural setting).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ave Maria University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1; Ave Maria University 17:1.

WLC vs. AMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WLC or AMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Wisconsin Lutheran College than AMU ($24,095 vs. $25,294).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wisconsin Lutheran College are 15.1% lower than at Ave Maria University ($12,250 vs. $14,432).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 19.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than AMU (about $5,912 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.6% higher at WLC than at Ave Maria University (about $5,912 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College as at Ave Maria University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students is 17.6% larger than aid received by Ave Maria University students ($24,624 vs. $20,936).

WLC vs. AMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WLC or AMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between AMU and WLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ave Maria University (1130) is 30 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at AMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230; Ave Maria University 1018/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29; Ave Maria University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WLC - Test optional; AMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman AMU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WLC (3.54).
• WLC has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than AMU (41.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at WLC vs. 32.8% at AMU.

WLC vs. AMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WLC and AMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Ave Maria University's (41%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ave Maria University graduates have a $2,572 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($22,428 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, AMU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($231 vs. $258).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AMU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.