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Head-to-head comparison

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

Option A Stevens Point, WI

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Net price / year
$14,559
Earnings, 10 years
$52,021
Payback
15.9 yrs

Option B Kenosha, WI

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Net price / year
$11,772
Earnings, 10 years
$51,129
Payback
17 yrs
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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.