Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks University of Wisconsin-Stout #518 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $2,857 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing University of Wisconsin-Stout in the 45.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. University of Wisconsin-Stout sits in the 62.2 percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. ---
Azimuth ranks University of Wisconsin-Stout #518 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 64.8 percentile for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A public university in Menomonie, Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Stout enrolls roughly 5,842 undergraduates. Retention is 78.9% and the six-year graduation rate is 54.9%, reflecting solid conversion of enrollment into degree completion. Where University of Wisconsin-Stout performs strongest is return on investment. Azimuth ranks University of Wisconsin-Stout #560 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 62.2 percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $64,234, placing University of Wisconsin-Stout in the 64.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They earn about $2,857 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing University of Wisconsin-Stout in the 45.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. This performance reflects the institution's focus on Business and applied fields that connect directly to employer demand. Access and affordability sit lower in the composite. University of Wisconsin-Stout sits in the 39.8 percentile for access and the 67.3 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Mobility outcomes rank in the 72.1 percentile. For students prioritizing strong earnings and a direct path to employment, University of Wisconsin-Stout delivers measurable value through its program mix and labor-market alignment, even where cost and access metrics fall below the strongest peers.
University of Wisconsin–Stout's published cost of attendance is $22,797. Net price by income band reflects the institution's public-tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $10,966, middle-income families pay around $13,164, and higher-income families pay approximately $22,028. Azimuth ranks University of Wisconsin-Stout #467 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. University of Wisconsin–Stout participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and the institution's aid structure prioritizes closing the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay. The affordability rank reflects both the headline tuition and the debt load graduates carry: net price and sticker price can differ substantially, and understanding that distinction helps families budget realistically. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $23,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $11,000; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $64,234, median federal debt of $23,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $260 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
University of Wisconsin-Stout is a strong fit for students interested in business, applied fields, and career-focused majors who want a public university experience in WI. Graduates earn median earnings four years after enrollment of $64,234, placing University of Wisconsin-Stout in the 64.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $2,857 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 45.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The university enrolls a significant share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 23.9% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 27.8% are first-generation — and delivers mobility outcomes that place University of Wisconsin-Stout in the 52.8 percentile for low-income graduate earnings among nonprofit four-year institutions — a historical 10-year Scorecard measure. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the program mix favors applied and career-oriented fields over research-intensive ones, and the location in Menomonie, WI offers a smaller-town environment. Students whose interests align with those areas will find strong earnings outcomes and career preparation.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the University Of Wisconsin-Stout hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Wisconsin–Stout's published cost of attendance is $22,797. Net price by income band reflects the institution's public-tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $10,966, middle-income families pay around $13,164, and higher-income families pay approximately $22,028.
Azimuth ranks University of Wisconsin-Stout #467 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
University of Wisconsin–Stout participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and the institution's aid structure prioritizes closing the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay.
The affordability rank reflects both the headline tuition and the debt load graduates carry: [net price and sticker price can differ substantially](/analysis/is-college-worth-it-part-1-the-net-price-illusion/), and understanding that distinction helps families budget realistically. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $23,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $11,000; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $64,234, median federal debt of $23,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $260 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Stout earn median 4-year earnings of $64,234, placing University of Wisconsin-Stout in the 64.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $2,857 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing University of Wisconsin-Stout in the 45.6 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks University of Wisconsin-Stout #560 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects University of Wisconsin-Stout's concentration in applied and professional fields.
Business Administration is the largest program with 196 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $68,697, performing at 1.0x the national benchmark for the field. The Design and Applied Arts program graduates 144 students earning $57,718, and the The Mechanical Engineering program graduates 77 students earning $87,645.
Together, these programs anchor the institution's return profile, with Business representing the dominant academic concentration and driving consistent outcomes across the graduate cohort.
Construction Management
40 graduates
Applied Mathematics
27 graduates
Polymer/Plastics Engineering
14 graduates
Mechanical Engineering
77 graduates
Manufacturing Engineering
13 graduates
University of Wisconsin-Stout's program mix is anchored in Business and applied professional fields. Business Administration is the largest program with 196 graduates, followed by Design and Applied Arts, Mechanical Engineering, Subject-Specific Teacher Education, and Computer Software.
Across 0 ranked programs serving roughly 1,311 students annually, the institution delivers consistent outcomes in career-focused fields. The earnings pattern reflects UW-Stout's positioning as a polytechnic and applied-professional university.
Mechanical Engineering leads with median earnings of $87,645 four years after enrollment, followed by Artificial Intelligence at $82,853, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at $77,269, Engineering Technologies/Technicians at $76,784, and Computer Software at $74,146. These earnings reflect direct-to-workforce pathways where graduates enter stable, in-demand roles immediately after completion.
The institution's strength in Business and related applied fields aligns with regional labor-market demand in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Graduates in these programs typically move into manufacturing, engineering, business operations, and technical roles where four-year earnings reflect immediate workforce contribution.
The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how UW-Stout's dominant program families align with current labor-market trends.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Suny College At Geneseo Similar quality tier (#15528 ranked) | NY | 66% | $67,316 | #15528 | Compare |
University Of Minnesota-Duluth Similar quality tier in Midwest (#15527 ranked) | MN | 89% | $62,616 | #15527 | Compare |
Framingham State University Similar quality tier (#15537 ranked) | MA | 84% | $52,349 | #15537 | Compare |
University Of Puerto Rico At Cayey Similar quality tier (#15503 ranked) | PR | 53% | $30,958 | #15503 | Compare |
Youngstown State University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#15501 ranked) | OH | 84% | $41,544 | #15501 | Compare |
