Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,488
40th percentile
Median Debt
$24,888
At national median

Analysis

Wisconsin-Stevens Point's accounting graduates earn about $5,000 less in their first year than the typical Wisconsin accounting gradβ€”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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point$51,488$58,523+14%
Marquette University$67,665$80,539+19%
University of Wisconsin-Madison$68,909$78,931+15%
Carthage College$61,887$70,257+14%
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$62,450$68,207+9%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointStevens Point$8,834$51,488$58,523$24,8880.48
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$68,909$78,931$21,2940.31
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee$48,700$67,665$80,539$25,0000.37
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse$9,651$62,450$68,207$23,2640.37
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater$8,250$61,926$67,874$21,5000.35
Carthage CollegeKenosha$36,500$61,887$70,257$27,0000.44
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.