University Of Wisconsin-Parkside's published cost of attendance is $16,768 per year, consisting of $7,855 in-state tuition, $8,286 for room and board, and $590 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $16,497 in tuition.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $17,429 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,772 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,425 |
| $30–48k | $7,592 |
| $48–75k | $11,241 |
| $75–110k | $15,071 |
| $110k+ | $17,917 |
University Of Wisconsin-Parkside's published cost of attendance is $16,768 per year, consisting of $7,855 in-state tuition, $8,286 for room and board, and $590 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $16,497 in tuition. However, the average student pays just $10,044 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,724 annually.
This net price is significantly below the peer median of $14,093, making University Of Wisconsin-Parkside $4,049 more affordable than similar institutions. The university's affordability index ranks at the 86.5th percentile nationally, indicating well above average cost management. Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $5,551 for the lowest-income families to $16,329 for the highest-income families, demonstrating progressive financial aid targeting.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University Of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates carry median debt of $20,492, slightly below the peer median of $21,105, representing a $613 advantage over similar institutions. Debt levels vary significantly, ranging from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,675 at the 75th percentile, indicating that many students graduate with relatively low debt burdens.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning $51,129 annually to service $20,492 in debt. Parent PLUS borrowing shows a median debt of $12,476 with monthly payments of $164, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The university's debt performance ranks at the 68th percentile, indicating above average debt management. Combined with below-peer net prices, these debt levels support sustainable post-graduation financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University Of Wisconsin-Parkside delivers solid return on educational investment through controlled costs and above average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $4,724 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 72.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median debt of $20,492 sits below the peer median by $613, while graduates earn $1,013 more than peer institution graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates manageable borrowing relative to career outcomes.
Top programs demonstrate exceptional value, particularly Exercise Science and Kinesiology with a value score of 96.7 and national ranking of #8. The university's return index ranks at the 59.7th percentile, reflecting above average performance in balancing educational costs with career outcomes.
University Of Wisconsin-Parkside enrolls 18.5% Pell-eligible students, below the national average but reflecting meaningful access for lower-income families. The substantial gap between the $16,768 sticker price and $10,044 average net price demonstrates effective financial aid delivery, with savings averaging $6,724 per student.
Aid appears concentrated toward lower-income families, with the under-$30,000 income group paying just $5,551 annually compared to $16,329 for families earning over $110,000. The university serves 40.9% first-generation students, indicating strong outreach to families new to higher education.
Net prices remain well below peer institutions across all income levels, with the university charging $4,049 less than the peer median. This combination of targeted aid and overall affordability supports the university's mission of accessible public education.
