Students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside benefit from exceptional affordability combined with earnings that exceed expectations for similar institutions.
The university provides meaningful access for first-generation students while delivering solid financial outcomes that support long-term career stability.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside delivers solid value for students seeking an accessible public education with strong affordability. Located in Kenosha, this medium-sized public university stands out primarily for its commitment to keeping costs manageable while maintaining reasonable outcomes. With net prices as low as $5,551 for low-income students and $10,670 for middle-income families, UW-Parkside ranks in the top 20% nationally for affordability.
The university serves a diverse student body, with about 34% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 40% being first-generation college students. While earnings outcomes are moderate compared to flagship institutions, graduates still achieve a median income of $51,129 ten years after enrollment, with the added benefit of earning about $4,721 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, UW-Parkside focuses on providing broad access to higher education while helping students achieve meaningful career advancement. The university's strength lies in its practical approach to education, offering programs in high-demand fields like business, criminal justice, and psychology that prepare students for stable careers in Wisconsin and beyond.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside's program portfolio reflects a practical, career-focused approach to higher education that emphasizes stable employment pathways over high-risk, high-reward specializations. Psychology leads in enrollment with 94 graduates annually, serving as a foundation for careers in social services, human resources, and graduate study, though early earnings average $28,236. Corrections Administration, with 76 graduates, connects directly to Wisconsin's public safety sector and offers stronger early earnings at $34,526.
The university's highest-earning program, Accounting Technology, demonstrates the institution's strength in practical business education. With 42 graduates earning approximately $44,830 early in their careers, this program exemplifies UW-Parkside's focus on skills-based education that leads directly to employment. Digital Marketing, producing 52 graduates with early earnings around $40,647, reflects the university's adaptation to modern business needs while maintaining its practical orientation.
This program mix serves the university's mission of providing accessible, career-oriented education that connects students to Wisconsin's economy. Rather than competing on prestige or selectivity, UW-Parkside focuses on programs that offer clear pathways to middle-class careers, particularly benefiting first-generation students who need practical preparation for stable employment. The emphasis on fields like business, criminal justice, and applied psychology reflects the university's understanding of regional workforce needs and student career goals.
Graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, earning a median of $51,129 ten years after enrollment. What makes these earnings particularly noteworthy is that graduates earn about $4,721 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes. This earnings advantage places UW-Parkside above many peer institutions in helping students exceed expectations.
The university's program mix reflects practical career preparation across several key fields. Psychology leads in total graduates with 94 students annually, though early-career earnings in this field average around $28,236, reflecting the foundational nature of many psychology careers. Corrections Administration, the second-largest program with 76 graduates, offers stronger early earnings at $34,526, connecting directly to Wisconsin's public safety sector. The highest-earning program, Accounting Technology, produces 42 graduates annually who earn approximately $44,830 early in their careers, while Digital Marketing graduates earn around $40,647.
This program portfolio emphasizes accessible, career-focused education that connects students to stable employment opportunities. The university's strength lies not in producing the highest-earning graduates, but in consistently helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve financial stability and career advancement beyond what might be expected given their starting points.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside excels in affordability, ranking in the top 20% nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $5,551 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs of $10,670 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $16,329, making UW-Parkside one of the more affordable public university options in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most graduates. Students typically leave with about $20,492 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,476, reflecting the university's success in keeping family borrowing at reasonable levels. The combination of strong financial aid and moderate borrowing means most families can manage the costs without taking on excessive debt.
What makes UW-Parkside particularly sustainable financially is how well graduates can service their debt. With median earnings of $51,129 ten years out and no federal loan defaults reported, borrowers demonstrate strong repayment capacity. The university's loan repayment patterns show steady progress, with borrowers consistently paying down balances at rates that exceed national medians, indicating that the debt students take on is well-matched to their post-graduation earning potential.
University Of Wisconsin-Parkside Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
