Students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point benefit from exceptional affordability that keeps costs manageable for families across all income levels, ranking in the top quarter nationally.
The university combines accessible pricing with strong support systems that help first-generation and Pell-eligible students complete their degrees and enter stable careers.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers a balanced combination of accessibility, affordability, and practical career preparation that serves students well across multiple dimensions. As a medium-sized public university in central Wisconsin, UW-Stevens Point maintains the personal attention of a smaller institution while providing the resources and program breadth of a larger system university. The institution particularly excels in affordability, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels.
Nearly 28% of students receive Pell Grants and about 31% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class and middle-class Wisconsin families. UW-Stevens Point graduates earn a median of $52,021 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in specialized health programs and business fields. The university's 56% six-year graduation rate demonstrates solid completion support, especially for Pell-eligible students who graduate at rates above 60%.
What distinguishes UW-Stevens Point is its role as an "Opportunity Builder" institution that provides broad access while maintaining quality outcomes. The university combines affordable net prices with practical program offerings that prepare students for stable careers in education, business, health sciences, and natural resources. For families seeking a reliable, cost-effective path to a four-year degree with strong regional connections and career support, UW-Stevens Point delivers consistent value without unnecessary complexity or risk.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's program portfolio reflects its mission as a practical, career-oriented institution serving regional workforce needs. Business Administration and Management leads both in enrollment and aggregate economic impact, graduating 170 students annually with median earnings of $39,693. This program serves as the university's economic engine, combining substantial student interest with solid career preparation for Wisconsin's business community.
Specialized health sciences programs demonstrate UW-Stevens Point's ability to deliver high-value, technical education. Blood Bank Technology Specialist, though smaller with 28 graduates, produces the institution's highest median earnings at $52,107, reflecting the specialized skills and strong demand for these healthcare professionals. This program exemplifies how focused, technical training can create pathways to well-compensated careers in growing healthcare sectors.
Education programs, including Adult and Continuing Education with 102 graduates earning $38,363, reflect the university's long-standing commitment to preparing teachers and educational leaders for Wisconsin schools. While earnings are more moderate, these programs serve essential public service roles and provide stable career paths. Biology, with 99 graduates earning $26,270, represents a foundational science program that often serves as preparation for graduate study or entry-level positions in research and healthcare fields. Together, these programs create a balanced portfolio that serves diverse student interests while maintaining strong connections to regional employment opportunities.
Graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $52,021, placing the institution around the national average for public universities. While earnings don't dramatically exceed expectations compared with similar institutions, they provide a stable foundation for middle-class careers across Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region.
Program-level outcomes vary meaningfully by field of study. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 170 graduates, produces median earnings of $39,693 and represents the highest aggregate return due to its substantial enrollment. Blood Bank Technology Specialist, though smaller with 28 graduates, delivers the strongest individual earnings at $52,107, demonstrating UW-Stevens Point's strength in specialized health sciences. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn around $38,363, reflecting the university's commitment to preparing educators for regional school systems. Biology graduates, while numerous at 99 students, see more modest early-career earnings of $26,270, typical for students who often pursue graduate education or entry-level research positions.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical fields that connect directly to regional employment opportunities. Business programs provide broad career preparation, while specialized health sciences offerings like Blood Bank Technology create pathways to well-compensated technical roles. Education programs serve the ongoing need for teachers and administrators throughout Wisconsin, contributing to stable if moderate earnings outcomes that reflect the public service nature of these careers.
Decomposes the earnings-above-expectation score into program mix, labor market alignment, and the remaining institutional residual.
Negative program contribution values reflect how the school's mix compares with the model, not that the school is weak in that field.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping costs manageable. Low-income students pay approximately $7,953 per year after aid, well below typical public university levels, while middle-income families see annual costs around $12,706. Even higher-income families pay about $17,500 annually, representing predictable and transparent pricing that helps families plan effectively over four years.
Debt levels remain reasonable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $21,503 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $12,700 when families choose that option. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations. Most borrowers demonstrate strong repayment patterns, with loan balance payoff rates consistently exceeding national averages across the first four years after graduation.
What makes UW-Stevens Point particularly sustainable financially is the combination of moderate borrowing levels and steady graduate earnings. With median ten-year earnings of $52,021, most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without significant strain. The university's focus on practical, employment-oriented programs helps ensure that students graduate with skills that translate directly into stable employment, supporting successful debt repayment and long-term financial stability for Wisconsin families.
University Of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
