University of Wisconsin-Parkside

The investment is moderate. While in-state tuition is affordable and debt is manageable, the lower graduation rate and median earnings suggest a less robust return compared to some other institutions.

Specific academic program strengths are not detailed in the provided data, but the institution offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The provided data does not offer insights into the student experience beyond basic demographics and size. Further research into campus life, extracurriculars, and student support services would be necessary.

The median debt for graduates is $20,492, which is relatively low compared to national averages.

The provided data does not break down outcomes by demographic groups, making it difficult to assess differential impacts.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) has a relatively accessible admission rate of 75.4%, indicating that it is not highly selective. This means that a significant majority of applicants are accepted, making it a viable option for many students seeking a four-year degree. While the acceptance rate is high, UWP still seeks to enroll students who demonstrate a readiness for college-level work. Prospective students are generally expected to have a high school diploma or GED. While specific GPA or standardized test score cutoffs are not rigidly defined due to the open nature of admissions, successful applicants typically have a solid academic record. It's advisable for applicants to submit transcripts showing a mix of strong grades, particularly in core subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. While not strictly required for admission, strong ACT/SAT scores can strengthen an application. UWP encourages students to apply early to ensure all application materials are processed on time. The university also considers a holistic review, meaning they may look at extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations, especially for students whose academic profiles might be borderline. The key takeaway is that while admission is not overly difficult, maintaining good grades throughout high school and presenting a well-rounded application will improve your chances of acceptance and set you up for academic success.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) offers a compelling value proposition, particularly for in-state students. The in-state tuition is $8,270 annually, leading to an estimated four-year cost of around $33,080 for tuition alone. With a median 10-year earning potential of $51,129, graduates can expect to earn back their tuition investment within approximately 1.5 to 2 years of entering the workforce, assuming a significant portion of their income is allocated to debt repayment. The median debt load of $20,492 is also considerably lower than the national average, further enhancing its financial appeal. For Wisconsin residents, UWP represents a solid investment, providing a pathway to a stable career with manageable debt. The ROI score of 55 reflects this balanced outcome. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition nearly doubles ($17,429 annually), making the financial calculus less favorable unless substantial scholarships or grants are received. In conclusion, UW-Parkside is a financially sound choice for in-state students seeking an affordable degree that leads to reasonable career earnings and manageable student debt. It's a practical investment rather than a high-return, high-risk venture.

While "best" is subjective and depends on individual career goals, several majors at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) align well with regional economic strengths and offer strong post-graduation prospects. The College of Business, Economics, and Computing often sees graduates find roles in the thriving Chicagoland and southeastern Wisconsin markets. Majors like Accounting, Business Administration, and Information Technology are practical choices, leading to careers in finance, management, and tech support roles within various industries. The College of Arts and Humanities offers programs like English and Communication, which can lead to careers in marketing, public relations, and technical writing. For those interested in healthcare, UWP offers programs in areas like Health Sciences, which can serve as a stepping stone to further specialization or direct entry into allied health fields. The College of Social Sciences and Professions is strong in areas like Criminal Justice and Psychology, feeding into local law enforcement, social services, and counseling roles. Given the region's manufacturing base, degrees in STEM fields, such as Computer Science or Applied Health Sciences, can also be advantageous. It's recommended that students explore programs with strong internship components and those that align with in-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, and business services in the Kenosha-Racine-Chicago corridor.

Student life at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) is characterized by a close-knit community feel within a mid-sized public university setting. Located in Kenosha, the campus offers a blend of academic focus and opportunities for social engagement. UWP boasts over 100 student organizations, ranging from academic clubs and cultural groups to intramural sports and student government. The university emphasizes student success and well-being, with resources like the Student Success Center and various counseling services available. Campus events, including concerts, guest lectures, and cultural celebrations, are regularly held, providing avenues for students to connect and engage outside the classroom. While UWP doesn't have a traditional large-scale Greek life system, its student organizations foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie. The campus itself is known for its distinctive brutalist architecture and its natural setting, offering a unique environment. For students seeking a more vibrant nightlife, the proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee offers weekend excursion opportunities. Overall, UWP provides a supportive and engaging campus environment for students who are academically driven and seek a community-oriented college experience.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) is committed to making education accessible and offers a range of financial aid options to help students manage costs. According to the latest available data, approximately 95% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. This aid can come in the form of federal grants (like Pell Grants), state grants (Wisconsin Higher Education Grants), institutional scholarships, and federal student loans. The average financial aid package awarded to students can vary significantly based on need, merit, and program. For instance, the average need-based scholarship or grant award helps offset the cost of attendance. UWP also offers various institutional scholarships, often merit-based or specific to certain programs or student demographics. Federal Direct Loans are a significant source of aid for many students, allowing them to borrow funds to cover educational expenses. It's crucial for prospective students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline to be considered for the maximum amount of aid. UWP's Financial Aid Office provides resources and counseling to help students navigate the application process and understand their options. While specific dollar amounts for average aid packages fluctuate annually, the high percentage of students receiving aid underscores the university's effort to support its student body financially.

Graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) can expect a median salary in the range of $51,129 ten years after graduation, according to available data. This figure represents a national average and can vary significantly based on the student's chosen major, academic performance, internship experiences, and the specific industry and geographic location of employment. For example, graduates from business-related fields like Accounting or Information Technology may command higher starting salaries, potentially in the $50,000-$65,000 range, especially if they secure positions in the competitive Chicago metropolitan area. Majors in fields like Health Sciences or STEM could also lead to comparable or higher earnings, particularly with further specialization or advanced degrees. Graduates entering public service or non-profit sectors might see starting salaries closer to the lower end of the spectrum, perhaps in the $40,000-$50,000 range. The median earnings of $51,129 suggest a stable career trajectory rather than exceptionally high initial compensation. It's important for students to leverage UWP's career services, pursue internships, and network effectively to maximize their earning potential. The value of a UWP degree lies in providing a solid foundation for a sustainable career with manageable debt, rather than guaranteeing a six-figure starting salary.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) offers on-campus housing primarily through its residence halls, designed to provide a convenient and community-oriented living experience for students. The main residential complex consists of apartment-style suites, typically housing four students in two bedrooms, sharing a common living area and bathroom. This setup fosters a sense of independence while still providing the benefits of living on campus. Each suite is furnished, and students are responsible for bringing their personal belongings, bedding, and kitchenware (though cooking facilities are generally limited to microwaves and mini-fridges within rooms, with larger communal kitchens available in some areas). Common areas within the residence halls often include lounges, study rooms, and recreational spaces, encouraging social interaction and academic support. The university provides Resident Assistants (RAs) on each floor or wing to help residents adjust, enforce community standards, and organize floor activities. UWP's housing is generally considered safe and well-maintained, with card-controlled access and professional staff oversight. While it may not offer the traditional dormitory experience of some older universities, the apartment-style suites at UWP provide a comfortable and practical living environment for undergraduate students, particularly freshmen and sophomores, looking to immerse themselves in campus life.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) provides undergraduate research opportunities, particularly within its STEM and social science disciplines, though it is not a primary research-intensive institution like larger R1 universities. UWP encourages students to engage in research through faculty mentorship, often as part of coursework or through specific programs like the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program. This program allows students to work closely with faculty on projects, developing research skills, critical thinking, and presentation abilities. Disciplines where research is more prominent include biology, chemistry, psychology, and environmental science, where faculty are actively conducting studies and often seek student involvement. Students might assist in lab work, data collection, analysis, or literature reviews. While UWP may not offer the vast scale of research infrastructure found at major research universities, the advantage here lies in the accessibility for undergraduates. Students often get more direct, hands-on experience and closer mentorship from professors compared to larger institutions where research opportunities might be more competitive or graduate-student focused. Presenting research at local or regional conferences is a common outcome for UWP students involved in these initiatives. For students seeking a solid undergraduate research experience with personalized faculty guidance, UWP can be a good option, especially if they plan to pursue graduate studies.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) is often compared to other regional public universities within the UW System and neighboring states that offer similar program breadth and affordability. Realistic peers include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW), and potentially Northern Illinois University (NIU) or Western Illinois University (WIU). Compared to UWM, UWP is smaller, offering potentially more intimate class sizes and a less urban campus feel, though UWM has a broader range of graduate programs and a larger research profile. UWP is comparable to UWW in terms of size and mission, though UWW has a stronger reputation in business and education programs. Against NIU, UWP shares a similar demographic and regional focus, but NIU is larger and has a more extensive athletic program. UWP's key advantages over these peers often lie in its specific program strengths (e.g., certain health sciences or computing fields) and its unique location offering direct access to both Wisconsin's industrial base and the Chicago job market. Its primary disadvantages typically involve lower national brand recognition, a smaller alumni network, and potentially fewer resources or research opportunities compared to larger institutions like UWM or NIU. The graduation rate at UWP (40.1%) is also a point of concern when compared to some peers, suggesting potential challenges in student retention or program completion that prospective students should investigate.

Employers in southeastern Wisconsin and the greater Chicagoland area generally view degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) positively, particularly for roles aligned with the university's core strengths and regional economic needs. UWP has established relationships with local businesses and industries, and employers recognize the practical skills and foundational knowledge that UWP graduates bring. Companies in sectors like healthcare (e.g., Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin), manufacturing (e.g., Snap-on Incorporated), and public service often recruit from UWP, valuing graduates who are prepared for entry-level positions. The perception is that UWP provides a solid, accessible education that equips students with the necessary competencies for many professional roles. While UWP may not carry the same national brand prestige as a flagship university, its graduates are seen as reliable and competent by regional employers. The university's emphasis on internships and career services helps ensure that students gain relevant experience, which is highly regarded by employers. For specialized or highly competitive fields, employers might look for additional qualifications or experience, but a UWP degree serves as a credible foundation. The value employers place on a UWP degree is often tied to the graduate's specific skills, work ethic, and ability to contribute to the local economy, making it a respected choice within its geographic sphere of influence.