University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: 89.1% Acceptance Rate

89.1%Acceptance

$8,834Tuition

7,104Students

56%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,021Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has built a national reputation for natural resources and environmental programs that attract 7,104 students to central Wisconsin. The school's forestry, wildlife biology, and paper science programs consistently rank among the best in the country. Actor Tony Shalhoub and former MLB pitcher Steve Avery both graduated from this full public university. Students find themselves in a true college town setting where the campus dominates the community. The school's environmental focus isn't just academic theory. Students regularly work in the nearby forests and waterways that make Stevens Point a living laboratory for sustainability research.

The financial picture looks manageable for most Wisconsin families. In-state students pay an average net price of $13,726 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $52,021 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,503 reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $228. The strong employment rate of 97.7% means graduates find work quickly after completing their degrees.

Stevens Point draws primarily Wisconsin students, with 90.5% coming from in-state. The Pointers compete in 25 NCAA Division III sports without offering athletic scholarships. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at smaller colleges, but professors remain accessible for hands-on environmental fieldwork.

Academics & Faculty

Stevens Point built its reputation as Wisconsin's environmental powerhouse, with natural resources and forestry programs that draw students from across the Midwest. The university's paper science program ranks among the nation's top five, training future leaders for Wisconsin's massive pulp and paper industry. Students work closely with faculty despite a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, though academic support varies across departments. The 56% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's working-class student body, many of whom balance jobs with coursework. Environmental science majors conduct hands-on research in the surrounding forests and wetlands. Business and education programs also attract strong enrollment, serving students who typically stay in Wisconsin after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 56.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.0%
Retention Rate: 75.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,021
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$52,107
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$51,972
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$49,962
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$49,392
Soil Sciences.	Bachelor	$47,260
Computer Software and Media Applications.	Bachelor	$44,170
Economics.	Bachelor	$42,682
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$40,896
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$39,693
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$39,663

View all 109 programs →

Campus Life

Stevens Point sits about 110 miles north of Madison, surrounded by Wisconsin's central forest region. You'll need heavy winter coats here, as snow typically covers campus from December through March. About 49% of students live in residence halls that house 3,462 students total. The campus feels intimate with a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Most students stick around on weekends since 90% come from Wisconsin. The Pointers compete in 25 NCAA Division III sports with 700 total athletes. Students often head to the nearby Wisconsin River for canoeing or hiking in Schmeeckle Reserve, the 280-acre natural area on campus. The university's environmental focus shapes campus life, with sustainability initiatives visible everywhere from dining halls to dorms. Downtown Stevens Point offers coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance. Many students spend weekends at outdoor recreation activities year-round, whether cross-country skiing in winter or fishing in warmer months. The natural resources programs create a culture where students genuinely care about environmental stewardship.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 3,462 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

96 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Stalking	21	13	0
Rape	11	11	0
Dating Violence	15	6	0
Fondling	9	5	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	1
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 6°–24°F
July Avg: 59°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 32.6"
Annual Snowfall: -733.0"

Student Demographics

Stevens Point draws overwhelmingly from Wisconsin, with 91% of students calling the state home. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and affordable access for local families. Women make up 56% of enrollment, likely drawn to the school's well-known natural resources and education programs. The student body is predominantly white at 86%, typical for central Wisconsin's demographics. Nearly 28% receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families seeking quality education without top price tags. The Pointers attract students who value hands-on learning in environmental sciences and want to stay close to home.

Men: 43.9%
Women: 56.1%
White: 86.3%
Black: 1.3%
Hispanic: 4.4%
Asian: 2.8%
In-State Students: 90.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.8%

Location

Stevens Point sits in central Wisconsin, about 110 miles northwest of Milwaukee and 250 miles from Chicago. This city of 26,000 residents becomes distinctly college-focused when the university's 7,104 students arrive each semester. The surrounding region features dense forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities that align perfectly with the university's well-known natural resources programs. Stevens Point serves as a gateway to Wisconsin's Northwoods, making it ideal for students pursuing environmental studies or forestry careers. The town-distant setting means students get a true college town experience without big city distractions. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with similar schools in the region.

Address: Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481-3897

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,021
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,807
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 74.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,503

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point?

UW-Stevens Point accepts 89% of applicants with an average ACT score of 22. The school attracts students primarily interested in natural resources and environmental programs, making it moderately selective but accessible to most qualified Wisconsin students.

How much does University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,726 annually, with in-state tuition at $8,834. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,953 after aid, reflecting the university's commitment to affordability for Wisconsin residents.

What is University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point known for academically?

The university built its reputation on natural resources programs and environmental education. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, students get hands-on experience in sustainability and conservation fields that have defined the school's identity for decades.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point?

Students graduate at a 56% rate within six years and earn a median salary of $52,021 ten years after enrollment. The 97.7% employment rate shows strong job placement, particularly in Wisconsin's natural resources and education sectors.

Where is University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point located and what's campus life like?

The campus sits in Stevens Point, a town-distant setting that houses 3,462 students in residence halls. With 700 student-athletes competing in 25 Division III sports as the Pointers, the community feels tight-knit despite serving 7,104 total students.

Does University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offer athletic scholarships?

The university awards $0 in athletic scholarships since it competes in NCAA Division III. Student-athletes focus purely on academics and competition without athletic aid, though 28% of all students receive need-based Pell Grants for financial support.