University of Wisconsin-Stout: 86.3% Acceptance Rate

86.3%Acceptance

$10,142Tuition

5,900Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$58,084Earnings

#25 in WisconsinPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalOtherStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW-Stout transforms classroom theory into real-world skills through its polytechnic approach. The university enrolls 5,900 students in applied programs that prepare graduates for immediate career success. Students work directly with industry partners on projects that mirror professional environments. With an 86% acceptance rate, UW-Stout welcomes motivated students to its campus in Menomonie, a college town that keeps the focus on academics and hands-on learning.

Students pay an average net price of $17,365 after financial aid, making this career preparation surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,084 ten years after graduation, providing solid return on investment. With median debt of $23,000 and monthly loan payments of $244, most students can manage their obligations comfortably. An impressive 97.8% employment rate means students find jobs quickly after graduation.

The student body leans male at 57%, reflecting the university's engineering and technology focus. Students compete as the Blue Devils in 19 varsity sports within the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The 74% retention rate suggests students find their academic match, though the 52% six-year graduation rate indicates the rigorous programs challenge some to persist through completion.

Academics & Faculty

Wisconsin-Stout operates as a polytechnic university focused on applied learning and hands-on career preparation. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 52.5% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. The school built its reputation on programs in technology education, hospitality, and applied sciences that connect directly to industry needs. Students work with real equipment and complete internships that mirror actual job conditions. Strong partnerships with employers help graduates transition smoothly into careers. The polytechnic model means less emphasis on theoretical academics and more focus on practical skills that employers value immediately after graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.5%
Retention Rate: 74.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $58,084
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Manufacturing Engineering.	Bachelor	$65,131
Construction Management.	Bachelor	$64,281
Applied Mathematics.	Bachelor	$64,121
Engineering-Related Fields.	Bachelor	$63,302
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Bachelor	$61,064
Engineering Technology, General.	Bachelor	$58,673
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$52,420
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$49,436
Education, General.	Master	$48,432
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$46,708

View all 75 programs →

Campus Life

Menomonie sits about 90 minutes east of Minneapolis, giving students access to city internships while enjoying small-town college life. With 3,169 housing spots for 5,900 students, about half live on campus in a close-knit community. Winter coats are essential here - expect snow from November through March and temperatures that regularly dip below freezing.

The 57% male student body reflects Stout's polytechnic focus on applied learning and technical programs. Students spend considerable time in labs and workshops, often working directly with industry partners on real projects. The Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term where students dive deep into specialized courses or internships. Weekends often revolve around the Blue Devils' 19 varsity sports, with ice hockey drawing passionate crowds. The campus maintains a practical, work-focused atmosphere where students value hands-on experience over theoretical discussions. Many weekends involve group projects, outdoor activities when weather permits, or trips to the Twin Cities for entertainment and job fairs.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 3,169 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 4°–24°F
July Avg: 58°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 65.7"
Annual Snowfall: 74.3"

Student Demographics

Wisconsin-Stout draws a predominantly local crowd, with 60% of students coming from in-state. The student body skews male at 57%, reflecting the polytechnic focus on traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and technology. Nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The 84% white student population mirrors rural Wisconsin demographics. These students typically choose Stout for its hands-on approach to learning and strong job placement record rather than prestige, valuing applied skills over academic theory.

Men: 57.3%
Women: 42.7%
White: 83.9%
Black: 1.3%
Hispanic: 4.3%
Asian: 3.2%
In-State Students: 60.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.7%

Location

University of Wisconsin-Stout sits in Menomonie, Wisconsin, about 70 miles east of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The town of roughly 16,000 residents doubles when students arrive each fall. Menomonie straddles the Red Cedar River in the Chippewa Valley, surrounded by rolling farmland and forested hills. The campus spreads across 124 acres in this classic Midwest college town where students make up about one-third of the population. Downtown Menomonie offers coffee shops, restaurants, and local businesses within walking distance of campus. The nearby Chippewa River State Trail provides hiking and biking opportunities through Wisconsin's scenic countryside. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Stout with similar schools in the region.

Address: Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $58,084
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,587
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $244/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Stout?

University of Wisconsin-Stout accepts 86.31% of applicants with an average ACT score of 23. This polytechnic university focuses on applied learning and career preparation, making it accessible to students seeking hands-on technical education.

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

Students pay an average net price of $17,365 annually, with graduates carrying a median debt of $23,000. The monthly loan payment averages $244, which is manageable given that graduates earn a median of $58,084 ten years after graduation.

What makes University of Wisconsin-Stout's academic programs unique?

The university operates on a Four-One-Four calendar system and maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 5,900 students. As a polytechnic institution, it emphasizes applied learning and career-focused programs with strong industry partnerships that prepare students for immediate employment.

What are the job prospects for University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates?

An impressive 97.8% of graduates find employment, with median earnings reaching $49,326 in the first year after graduation. The university's focus on practical skills and industry connections helps explain why graduates see strong career outcomes in technical and applied fields.

Where is University of Wisconsin-Stout located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Menomonie, Wisconsin, a town-distant setting that houses 3,169 students on campus. With 517 student-athletes competing across 19 varsity sports as the Blue Devils, the university maintains a 74.10% retention rate among its predominantly Wisconsin student body.

Does University of Wisconsin-Stout have a strong graduation rate?

The university graduates 52.22% of students in four years and 52.50% within six years. While these rates are moderate, the school's polytechnic focus means many students enter specialized technical programs that lead directly to employment, with 75.46% successfully repaying their student loans.