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University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point vs University of Wisconsin-Parkside: which has better ROI?

Public, Stevens Point WI · vs · Public, Kenosha WI

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

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,236 in 15.9 years versus 17 years at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, on median earnings of $52,021 vs $51,129 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens PointUniversity of Wisconsin-Parkside
Net price / yr$14,559$11,772
Total net cost$58,236$47,088
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,021$51,129
Median debt$21,503$20,492
Payback15.9 yrs17 yrs
20-year net return$14,984$8,292

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

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point or University of Wisconsin-Parkside?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside, at $11,772 a year after aid versus $14,559 — a gap of $2,787 a year, or $11,148 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-Stevens Point or University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates earn more?

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduates report a median $52,021 ten years after entry, $892 more than the $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 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-Stevens Point or University of Wisconsin-Parkside?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside: its completers carry a median $20,492 in federal loans versus $21,503 at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a difference of $1,011. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

51% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, against 40% at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 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-Stevens Point vs University of Wisconsin-Parkside: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point or University of Wisconsin-Parkside a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. It clears its $58,236 net cost in about 15.9 years versus 17 years at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, on median earnings of $52,021 vs $51,129 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point or University of Wisconsin-Parkside?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside: $11,772/yr net price after aid versus $14,559/yr at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — a difference of $2,787 a year, or about $11,148 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point or University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduates earn a median $52,021 ten years after entry, versus $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside — a $892 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.