University of Wisconsin-Stout's published cost of attendance is $21,618 per year, including $10,142 in-state tuition, $18,706 out-of-state tuition, $8,718 for room and board, and $488 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,365 after financial aid, representing $4,253 in average savings from sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,618 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,706 |
| Room and Board | $8,718 |
| Books and Supplies | $488 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$4,253 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,365 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,499 |
| $30–48k | $11,643 |
| $48–75k | $15,799 |
| $75–110k | $19,803 |
| $110k+ | $21,221 |
University of Wisconsin-Stout's published cost of attendance is $21,618 per year, including $10,142 in-state tuition, $18,706 out-of-state tuition, $8,718 for room and board, and $488 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,365 after financial aid, representing $4,253 in average savings from sticker price. This net price of $17,365 exceeds the peer median of $14,093 by $3,272, indicating UW-Stout costs more than typical similar institutions.
The higher cost reflects Wisconsin's public university pricing structure and the specialized nature of many technical programs requiring equipment and facilities investments. Financial aid targeting helps moderate costs for lower-income students, though middle and upper-income families face higher net prices. Students should plan for above-peer costs but can expect solid return on investment through strong career outcomes, particularly in technical fields where graduates earn substantially above peer institution levels.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UW-Stout graduates carry median debt of $23,000, around the national average and close to the peer median of $21,105. Student debt ranges from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means typical graduates carry debt equal to 40% of their first-year earnings, a manageable level by industry standards. Parent PLUS debt averages $10,250 with monthly payments of $135, representing additional family borrowing.
Compared to peer institutions, UW-Stout graduates carry $1,895 less debt on average, partly offsetting the higher net price. The moderate debt levels, combined with above-peer earnings outcomes, create favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UW-Stout delivers solid return on investment despite above-peer costs. Graduates earn $1,515 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 61.8th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
Median earnings of $58,084 exceed the peer median by $7,968, providing an 18.9% earnings premium that helps offset higher educational costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 remains manageable, indicating graduates can handle typical borrowing levels.
Return index performance at the 71.9th percentile with above average tier status demonstrates solid long-term financial outcomes. The combination of higher costs with stronger earnings creates positive net value for most students, particularly those in high-demand technical programs.
UW-Stout's financial aid strategy focuses on need-based assistance with moderate overall aid levels. The $4,253 average financial aid savings represents 19.7% of the published cost of attendance, a typical level for public institutions.
The university enrolls 22.7% Pell-eligible students, around the national average, indicating standard accessibility for lower-income populations. Net price variations by income demonstrate targeted aid delivery, with the lowest-income students receiving the most substantial assistance.
The aid structure supports the university's mission of providing accessible technical and professional education while maintaining program quality. Students from lower-income backgrounds can expect meaningful aid assistance, while middle and upper-income families should anticipate paying closer to published prices.
