University of Wisconsin-Stout
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$40,568
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,251/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
652%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of Wisconsin-Stout alumni earn a median salary of $49,326. The median debt for graduates is $23,000. With an in-state tuition cost of $10,142, the university has a high return on investment. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.47, indicating graduates can manage their debt relative to their earnings.
Five years after graduation, the median salary is $50,251. Ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $58,084. The university's graduation rate is 52.2%, and the retention rate is 74.1%. Nearly half of the students, 48.9%, receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, it would take less than a year for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their tuition cost. The break-even timeline is very short due to the relatively low tuition cost and the high starting salary.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,142
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,251
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
49%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $40,568 | $62,307 | 1246% |
| Design and Applied Arts. | $40,568 | $47,390 | 511% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | $40,568 | $38,021 | 49% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $40,568 | $72,587 | 1753% |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | $40,568 | $43,253 | 307% |
| Education, General. | $40,568 | $0 | N/A |
| Education, General. | $40,568 | $50,744 | 676% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $40,568 | $46,689 | 476% |
| Engineering Technology, General. | $40,568 | $72,929 | 1770% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $40,568 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | $40,568 | $68,816 | 1567% |
| Psychology, General. | $40,568 | $41,160 | 204% |
Peer Comparison
652%
20yr ROI
575%
20yr ROI
924%
20yr ROI
538%
20yr ROI
894%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.