At $17,365/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn $58,084/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,084/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,365 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,084/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,084/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,499/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,643/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,799/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,803/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,221/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,131 | $25,200 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $64,281 | $20,175 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $64,121 | $20,520 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $63,302 | $27,000 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $61,064 | $22,881 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $23,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,420 | $18,500 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $49,436 | $31,805 |
| Education, General. | Master | $48,432 | $18,087 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,708 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
52.5% of students at University of Wisconsin-Stout graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Stout delivers solid financial returns despite a concerning 52% graduation rate that puts nearly half of students at risk of debt without degree completion. The school's technical focus aligns well with Wisconsin's manufacturing economy, creating strong job placement opportunities for graduates who finish their programs.
Manufacturing Engineering and Construction Management graduates earn over $64,000 annually with reasonable debt loads under $26,000, making these programs clear financial winners. Applied Mathematics also performs well at $64,121 with just $20,520 in debt. Computer networking graduates face slightly higher debt but still maintain positive returns in a growing field.
Your biggest risk at UW-Stout is not graduating. The 74% retention rate suggests academic support challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree. If you struggle with hands-on learning or need extensive academic support, consider other options.
UW-Stout works best if you want technical training without the premium price of private colleges. The school's industry connections in manufacturing and construction provide job placement advantages that offset the moderate graduation rate concerns. Wisconsin residents get the strongest value given in-state tuition benefits.
Only 23% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either a financially capable student body or limited aid availability. Merit scholarships exist but competition may be intense given the low aid percentage. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-earning program while taking advantage of the school's co-op and internship opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Stout worth the cost?
UW-Stout offers solid value for specific programs like manufacturing engineering and construction management, which lead to starting salaries around $64,000-65,000. However, the 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What programs at University of Wisconsin-Stout have the best ROI?
Manufacturing engineering, construction management, and applied mathematics deliver the strongest returns with graduates earning $64,000-65,000 annually. These technical programs justify the $17,365 annual cost better than most other majors at the school.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates typically have?
UW-Stout graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable for engineering and construction graduates earning $64,000+ but could be problematic for lower-paying majors. The debt-to-income ratio works out favorably only for the school's top-earning programs.
Does University of Wisconsin-Stout have good job placement after graduation?
While graduates in technical fields like manufacturing engineering earn competitive salaries around $64,000, the school's 52% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. Job outcomes depend heavily on finishing your degree and choosing a high-demand major.