Students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout achieve stronger financial outcomes than graduates of similar institutions, reflecting the practical value of its career-focused programs.
The university consistently delivers above-average earnings and reliable employment preparation across its technical, business, and applied learning programs.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout delivers strong value through its focus on applied learning and career preparation. As a medium-sized public university in Wisconsin, UW-Stout has built a reputation for programs that connect directly to industry needs, particularly in manufacturing, business, and technical fields. The institution serves about 23% Pell Grant recipients and 28% first-generation students, providing meaningful access while maintaining solid academic standards.
Graduates earn a median of $58,084 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 73rd percentile nationally for long-term earnings. What makes UW-Stout particularly noteworthy is its ability to deliver earnings that exceed expectations by about $1,515 compared with similar institutions, reflecting the practical value of its career-oriented programs. The university's "Selective Achievers" mobility profile indicates strong outcomes for the students it serves, even with more moderate access levels.
UW-Stout's strength lies in its focused mission around applied learning and workforce preparation. Students benefit from programs designed with employer input, hands-on learning opportunities, and direct pathways into stable careers. For families seeking a public university that emphasizes practical skills and reliable employment outcomes, UW-Stout offers a compelling combination of academic quality and career preparation.
University of Wisconsin-Stout's program portfolio reflects its mission as a polytechnic university focused on career preparation and applied learning. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 284 students annually with solid median earnings of $46,708. This program combines strong enrollment with reliable employment outcomes, making it a cornerstone of the university's economic impact.
Technical programs deliver the highest individual earnings potential. Manufacturing Engineering graduates earn around $65,131 early in their careers, reflecting Wisconsin's strong manufacturing sector and the high demand for technical expertise. Commercial Photography, while showing more modest earnings at $36,717, represents UW-Stout's commitment to applied arts education and demonstrates the university's breadth beyond traditional technical fields.
The university's strength lies in programs that connect directly to industry needs and employer requirements. Even fields with lower initial earnings, such as Adult Development and Aging, prepare students for stable careers in growing sectors like healthcare and social services. This practical approach to education helps explain why UW-Stout graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations, as programs are designed with direct input from employers and focus on skills that translate immediately into career advancement.
University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $58,084 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university in the 73rd percentile nationally, well above typical public institutions. Graduates also earn about $1,515 more than similar students at comparable universities, demonstrating the practical value of UW-Stout's career-focused approach to education.
The university's strongest returns come from its technical and business programs. Manufacturing Engineering leads in earnings potential, with graduates earning around $65,131 early in their careers, reflecting strong demand for technical expertise in Wisconsin's manufacturing sector. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program by total economic impact, graduating 284 students annually with median earnings of $46,708. Commercial Photography, while showing more modest earnings at $36,717, demonstrates the university's commitment to applied arts education. Even programs with lower initial earnings, such as Adult Development and Aging at $32,711, prepare students for stable careers in growing fields like healthcare and social services.
The university's focus on practical, hands-on learning helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. UW-Stout's programs are designed with direct industry input, ensuring that students develop skills that translate immediately into employment opportunities and career advancement in Wisconsin and beyond.
University of Wisconsin-Stout maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Wisconsin families. Low-income students pay about $10,499 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $15,799 per year. Even higher-income families face manageable expenses at $21,221 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education costs predictable and transparent.
Debt levels remain moderate and sustainable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $23,000 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,250, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and savings rather than relying heavily on parent loans. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes UW-Stout particularly sustainable financially is the strong alignment between what students borrow and what they can realistically repay. With median earnings approaching $58,000 ten years out, most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain. The university's focus on career preparation and employer connections helps ensure that students move into stable employment that supports both their personal goals and their ability to manage educational debt responsibly.
University Of Wisconsin-Stout Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
