Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point vary significantly by field of study, with natural resources programs achieving exceptional national recognition while traditional liberal arts fields show more modest earnings. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 39 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional national rankings, strong earnings outcomes, or distinctive value propositions at the university.
#115 nationally
$59K median earnings
Earnings outcomes vary significantly across program areas, reflecting different career pathways and industry compensation levels. Students should review the earnings data to understand typical outcomes while recognizing that individual results depend on career choices, geographic location, and additional factors beyond program selection. The detailed tables provide program-specific earnings context for informed decision-making.
The university's program rankings showcase distinctive excellence in environmental sciences and natural resource management. Multiple programs achieve exceptional national recognition, demonstrating institutional expertise in specialized fields that serve growing environmental sectors. Students should examine the detailed program tables to understand how national rankings translate into career preparation and earning potential across different fields of study.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs within each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Chemical Engineering, Other. leads engineering & technology with 84K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering, Other.Small sample | #115 | $84,047★ | — | 14 |
| Artificial Intelligence. |
Program rankings reflect graduate earnings and career outcomes rather than academic reputation or research productivity. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates four years after completion, based on cohorts large enough to ensure statistical reliability. Rankings compare programs nationally within the same field of study, not across different disciplines. Students should recognize that program outcomes vary based on career choices, geographic location, and individual circumstances beyond what institutional data can capture. Some fields, particularly education and social services, offer meaningful careers with modest initial earnings but strong job security and intrinsic rewards. Other programs serve as preparation for graduate study where initial earnings understate long-term career potential. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion data to provide integrated program assessment, helping students understand the relationship between educational investment and career outcomes.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores integrate earnings, debt, and completion data to provide comprehensive program assessment. These scores help students understand the relationship between educational investment and career outcomes, particularly important for students balancing cost considerations with career goals. The program tables include value scores to support comparison across different fields of study.
Loan affordability varies significantly by program, with Business programs rated as Good for debt management while Education and Biology programs fall into the Manageable category. Natural Resources programs achieve Good affordability ratings, reflecting strong earnings relative to typical debt levels. Psychology and Communication programs require more careful debt management due to lower initial earnings, though career trajectories may improve over time.
| #147 |
| $73,126 |
| — |
| 23 |
| Computer Graphics. | #16 | $49,079 | — | 21 |
Business programs serve as the university's largest enrollment area with solid career outcomes. Business Administration graduates 170 students annually with median earnings of $53,730, while the more specialized Accounting Technology program produces higher earnings at $58,523 despite smaller cohorts.
These programs provide practical career preparation with earnings that exceed the university average. Students seeking stable career prospects with broad applicability across industries find strong preparation through these business-focused pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #226 | $58,523★ | — | 46 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #200 | $53,730 | $23,970 | 170 |
Health programs show strong earning potential with graduates in Health Professions earning $44,129 from a program that ranks #15 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin. The relatively small cohort of 66 graduates suggests specialized preparation with focused career pathways.
Students in this category typically benefit from professional licensure opportunities and growing demand in healthcare sectors, making this path well-suited for students committed to health-related service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.Small sample | #267 | $68,395★ | — | 18 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #21 | $63,095 | — | 28 |
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist. | #25 | $45,249 | — | 20 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #15 | $44,129 | — | 66 |
Science programs demonstrate the typical pattern seen at comprehensive universities, with solid preparation for both workforce entry and graduate study continuation. Biology graduates earn $41,349 while Biochemistry graduates earn $42,538, reflecting career paths that often require additional education for maximum earning potential.
These programs serve students planning careers in healthcare, research, or graduate study, where initial earnings may understate long-term career value and growth potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #80 | $42,538★ | — | 30 |
| Biology, General. | #289 | $41,349 | — | 99 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #203 | $40,896 | — | 36 |
Social science programs demonstrate above-average outcomes for the field, particularly Applied/Public Sociology which ranks #112 nationally with graduates earning $43,997. Psychology graduates earn $38,967, typical for the field but reflecting careers that often require graduate study for maximum earning potential.
These programs excel in preparing students for public service, graduate study, and careers requiring strong analytical and communication skills rather than immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #76 | $45,626★ | — | 61 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #119 | $43,997 | — | 97 |
| Applied Economics.Small sample | — | $42,682 | — | 8 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #267 | $39,639 | — | 23 |
| Psychology, General. | #266 | $38,967 | $16,210 | 94 |
Communication programs produce graduates earning $40,795, reflecting the broad career pathways available in media, marketing, and organizational communications. With 90 graduates annually, this represents a solid program size with diverse career preparation.
Students in communications typically value creative expression and diverse career options, understanding that earnings potential varies significantly based on specific career paths and geographic location.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #189 | $40,795 | $21,031 | 90 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 32K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #184 | $41,457★ | — | 25 |
| Commercial Photography. | #93 | $41,243 | — | 25 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #138 | $38,636 | — | 27 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General.Small sample | #8 | $36,250 | — | 13 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #274 | $35,261 | — | 37 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #76 | $31,662 | — | 17 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #185 | $31,065 | — | 43 |
| Brass Instruments. | #152 | $24,421 | — | 22 |
| Ballet.Small sample | #28 | $20,625 | — | 15 |
| Acting. | #143 | $19,541 | — | 30 |
Education programs show the characteristic pattern of the field, with Adult and Continuing Education graduates earning $41,306 and Agricultural Teacher Education graduates earning $38,272. These programs rank well nationally (#135 and #106 respectively) while serving important social missions.
Students pursuing education careers typically prioritize job security, meaningful work, and community impact over maximum earnings, with potential for career advancement through administrative pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #145 | $41,306★ | — | 102 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #81 | $40,741 | — | 32 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #119 | $38,272 | $14,693 | 70 |
This represents University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's signature academic strength, with multiple programs achieving top national rankings. Fishing and Fisheries Sciences ranks #1 nationally with graduates earning $44,838, while Bioenergy ranks #2 nationally earning $50,348, and Forest Management ranks #5 nationally earning $50,461.
These specialized programs combine strong career preparation with distinctive expertise in environmental stewardship. Students pursuing this path typically benefit from exceptional faculty expertise, hands-on learning opportunities, and career pathways in growing environmental sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil Chemistry and Physics. | #2 | $59,311★ | — | 25 |
| Forest Management/Forest Resources Management. | #5 | $50,461 | — | 69 |
| Bioenergy. | #3 | $50,348 | — | 83 |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management. | #2 | $44,838 | — | 61 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | #11 | $37,946 | — | 59 |
Exercise Science represents the primary program in this category, with graduates earning $35,742 from a cohort of 47 students. This field typically serves as preparation for graduate study in physical therapy, sports medicine, or related health professions where additional education significantly enhances earning potential.
Students should view this as foundational preparation rather than terminal career training, with success measured through graduate school admission and subsequent professional outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences.Small sample | — | $39,009★ | — | 9 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #198 | $35,742 | — | 47 |
| International/Globalization Studies.Small sample | #59 | $23,649 | — | 14 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
