University of Wisconsin-Parkside
University of Wisconsin-Parkside — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Wisconsin-Parkside at a Glance
The University of Wisconsin–Parkside is a public university in Somers, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the University of Wisconsin System and has 4,644 students, 161 full-time faculty, and 89 lecturers and part-time faculty. The university offers 33 undergraduate majors and 11 master's degrees in 22 academic departments. UW–Parkside is one of two universities in the UW System not named for the city in which it is located, the other being UW–Stout. It is accredited by the Higher Learning …
1968
58 years old
$6M
$5,550,342 (2014)
3,966
3,255 undergrad · 711 grad
700 acres
Identity
Is University of Wisconsin-Parkside Worth It?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers moderate value at $11,772/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $51,129, which is 5% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How University of Wisconsin-Parkside compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #45 of 115 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #5 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #6 | Gulf Coast State College | 90 | $4,709 | $38,359 |
| #45 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | 44 | $11,772 | $51,129 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Wisconsin-Parkside's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in WI.
Best Programs at University of Wisconsin-Parkside
The highest-earning program at University of Wisconsin-Parkside is Business/Commerce, General at $42,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $25,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from University of Wisconsin-Parkside earns $42,300, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $25,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $21,900 in median debt vs. $22,222 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,772/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $42,300 | $42,300 | $21,900 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $39,400 | $39,400 | $21,247 |
| Marketing | $35,500 | $35,500 | $18,192 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,300 | $33,300 | $22,375 |
| Sociology | $30,200 | $30,200 | $25,500 |
| Psychology, General | $25,900 | $25,900 | $22,222 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Kenosha, WI
- Student Body
- 2,844 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,772
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,129
- Median Student Debt
- $20,492