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University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh vs University of Wisconsin-Stout: which has better ROI?

Public, Oshkosh WI · vs · Public, Menomonie WI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Stout has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,960 in 7.2 years versus 8 years at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, on median earnings of $58,084 vs $55,548 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-OshkoshUniversity of Wisconsin-Stout
Net price / yr$14,305$17,490
Total net cost$57,220$69,960
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,548$58,084
Median debt$21,500$23,000
Payback8 yrs7.2 yrs
20-year net return$86,540$124,520

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh or University of Wisconsin-Stout?

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, at $14,305 a year after aid versus $17,490 — a gap of $3,185 a year, or $12,740 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh or University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn more?

University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates report a median $58,084 ten years after entry, $2,536 more than the $55,548 at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh or University of Wisconsin-Stout?

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $23,000 at University of Wisconsin-Stout, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Stout, against 46% at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh vs University of Wisconsin-Stout: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh or University of Wisconsin-Stout a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Stout. It clears its $69,960 net cost in about 7.2 years versus 8 years at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, on median earnings of $58,084 vs $55,548 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh or University of Wisconsin-Stout?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: $14,305/yr net price after aid versus $17,490/yr at University of Wisconsin-Stout — a difference of $3,185 a year, or about $12,740 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh or University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn a median $58,084 ten years after entry, versus $55,548 at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — a $2,536 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.