Economics at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Based on Wisconsin's economics programs, this degree typically comes with manageable debt of around $23,349 against first-year earnings near $51,344—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 that aligns closely with national norms for the field. The challenge here isn't the financial fundamentals, but rather the uncertainty: with too few recent graduates to generate program-specific data, we're relying on state and national benchmarks to gauge outcomes.

What we do know is that UW-Stevens Point's estimated figures sit right at Wisconsin's median for economics degrees, though notably behind what several peer UW system schools produce. UW-Oshkosh graduates earn $57,663 in their first year—over $6,000 more—while UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse also show stronger earnings despite comparable debt loads. Given Stevens Point's 90% admission rate and modest academic profile, the program likely serves students well who want an accessible path into economics, but it may not carry the same employer recognition as more selective campuses.

The debt burden itself shouldn't be frightening—borrowers would owe roughly 45% of their first-year salary, manageable with standard repayment plans. But the lack of program-specific data means you're making this decision somewhat blind. If your student has admission offers from other UW campuses with documented stronger outcomes, those merit serious consideration. If Stevens Point offers geographic convenience or specific faculty connections that matter, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, just not exceptional returns.