Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,488
40th percentile (40th in WI)
Median Debt
$24,888
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.48
Manageable
Sample Size
52
Adequate data

Analysis

Wisconsin-Stevens Point's accounting graduates earn about $5,000 less in their first year than the typical Wisconsin accounting grad—landing in the 40th percentile both statewide and nationally. That gap persists even four years out, when earnings reach $58,523 compared to Wisconsin's median of $56,688. For context, UW-Madison accounting grads start at nearly $69,000, though Stevens Point's 90% admission rate serves a broader student population than the flagship.

The program's real advantage is cost control. With median debt of $24,888 and a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, graduates face lower financial pressure than at many competing Wisconsin programs where debt typically exceeds $25,000. The 14% earnings growth over four years is solid, suggesting graduates build momentum as they gain experience and complete CPA requirements.

For families prioritizing affordability over peak earnings potential, this program delivers adequate preparation for an accounting career without excessive debt. Your child won't command top-tier Wisconsin salaries straight out of college, but they'll enter a stable profession with room to grow and monthly loan payments that won't overwhelm an accountant's salary. If your student has admission offers from UW-La Crosse or Whitewater with similar financial aid packages, those programs show stronger earnings outcomes worth considering.

Where University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 40th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (31 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point$51,488$58,523$24,8880.48
University of Wisconsin-Madison$68,909$78,931$21,2940.31
Marquette University$67,665$80,539$25,0000.37
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$62,450$68,207$23,2640.37
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater$61,926$67,874$21,5000.35
Carthage College$61,887$70,257$27,0000.44
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
$11,205$68,909$21,294
Marquette University
Milwaukee
$48,700$67,665$25,000
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse
$9,651$62,450$23,264
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater
$8,250$61,926$21,500
Carthage College
Kenosha
$36,500$61,887$27,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 52 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.