About University of Wisconsin-Parkside
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside serves as a full university in the UW System, drawing 2,951 students to its rural-fringe campus in southeastern Wisconsin. The school has built a reputation for strong business and education programs that prepare graduates for careers throughout the region. With a 72.83% acceptance rate and average ACT scores of 21, Parkside welcomes students who are ready to work hard but may not have top test scores.
Students pay an average net price of $10,044 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in the UW System. Graduates earn a median of $51,129 ten years after leaving school, providing solid returns on their investment. The typical debt load of $20,492 translates to monthly payments of $217, which remains manageable given graduate earning potential. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families.
The Rangers compete in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports and 289 total athletes. Nearly 88% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community where the 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention. The 71.26% retention rate suggests most students find their academic home here, though the 39.80% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.
Students pay an average net price of $10,044 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in the UW System. Graduates earn a median of $51,129 ten years after leaving school, providing solid returns on their investment. The typical debt load of $20,492 translates to monthly payments of $217, which remains manageable given graduate earning potential. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families.
The Rangers compete in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports and 289 total athletes. Nearly 88% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community where the 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention. The 71.26% retention rate suggests most students find their academic home here, though the 39.80% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside operates as a full public university within the respected UW System, focusing on practical degree programs that serve southeastern Wisconsin's workforce needs. Students benefit from an 18:1 student-faculty ratio that enables more personalized attention than at larger state universities. The school has built a strong reputation for its business and education programs, which align with regional employment demands. However, the 39.8% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges common to many access-oriented public institutions serving diverse student populations. The 71.3% retention rate suggests most students who stay engaged find the academic support they need to persist through their second year.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.8%
- Retention Rate
- 71.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,129
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,830 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $40,647 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,526 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,565 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
Campus Life
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside sits between Milwaukee and Chicago, giving students access to major internship and job markets within an hour's drive. With housing for 850 students and total enrollment of 2,951, about 29% live on campus in a close-knit community. The semester system means you'll need heavy winter coats for January classes, as southeastern Wisconsin sees snow from December through March.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes than you'd find at larger UW campuses. Rangers compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 289 total athletes, creating school spirit without the overwhelming athletics culture of Division I schools. With 87.8% of students from Wisconsin, weekends often empty as students head home to Milwaukee or Chicago suburbs. Those who stay find a quiet campus where study groups form easily and outdoor activities like hiking nearby trails are popular during warmer months. The rural-fringe setting means you'll need a car for shopping or entertainment beyond campus.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes than you'd find at larger UW campuses. Rangers compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 289 total athletes, creating school spirit without the overwhelming athletics culture of Division I schools. With 87.8% of students from Wisconsin, weekends often empty as students head home to Milwaukee or Chicago suburbs. Those who stay find a quiet campus where study groups form easily and outdoor activities like hiking nearby trails are popular during warmer months. The rural-fringe setting means you'll need a car for shopping or entertainment beyond campus.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 850 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–28°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
University of Wisconsin-Parkside draws heavily from southeastern Wisconsin, with nearly nine out of ten students calling the state home. This reflects the school's mission as a regional full university serving local communities. The student body is diverse, with significant Hispanic and Black populations that mirror the demographics of nearby Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with the university's strength in education and business programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school successfully serves working-class families seeking affordable higher education.
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 58.5%
- Black
- 8.4%
- Hispanic
- 20.9%
- Asian
- 3.3%
- In-State Students
- 87.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.2%
Location
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside sits in Kenosha, Wisconsin, about 60 miles north of Chicago and 40 miles south of Milwaukee. This location puts students within reach of two major metropolitan areas while maintaining a smaller city atmosphere. Kenosha sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, offering students access to beaches and waterfront recreation. The campus serves a largely local population, with 87.80% of students coming from Wisconsin. The surrounding area blends suburban development with natural spaces, giving students both internship opportunities in nearby cities and outdoor recreation close to campus. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Parkside with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Kenosha, Wisconsin 53144
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,129
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,743
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,492
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Parkside?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside accepts 72.83% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. The university offers accessible admission to students throughout southeastern Wisconsin as part of the comprehensive UW System.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Parkside cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Wisconsin-Parkside is $10,044, making it affordable for Wisconsin residents. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,551 on average, while in-state tuition starts at $7,855.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Wisconsin-Parkside?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,951 total students. The university is known for strong programs in business and education within a comprehensive academic framework.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Parkside?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside has a 39.94% four-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $51,129 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 94.2%, reflecting the university's focus on career preparation.
Where is University of Wisconsin-Parkside located and what is campus life like?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside sits in Kenosha, Wisconsin in a rural-fringe setting with housing for 850 students. The Rangers compete in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports and 289 total athletes representing the university.
Is University of Wisconsin-Parkside diverse in its student population?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside enrolls a student body that is 58.45% white, 20.91% Hispanic, and 8.37% Black. The university draws 87.80% of its students from Wisconsin, serving as a regional institution for southeastern Wisconsin communities.
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