Social Work at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

UW-Stevens Point's social work program graduates earn notably more than the national average—about $4,300 above the typical bachelor's-level social worker—but there's an important Wisconsin-specific caveat. The program ranks in the 87th percentile nationally yet sits below the state median, landing in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin social work programs. Five other UW system schools prepare graduates who earn $1,000 to $5,000 more annually, suggesting this isn't the strongest option if you're staying in-state.

The financial fundamentals are solid: a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means graduates typically owe about 8 months' salary, manageable for a helping profession. Earnings grow 10% by year four, reaching $45,626—not remarkable growth, but steady. The $26,500 debt load is right at the national median for social work programs, so you're not overpaying for credentials.

The takeaway for Wisconsin families: this program won't leave your child struggling with debt, but if they're committed to social work and staying in Wisconsin, look closely at UW-River Falls or UW-Green Bay, where graduates consistently out-earn Stevens Point peers by $3,000 to $4,000 annually. That gap compounds to tens of thousands over a career. Stevens Point works fine as a safety school with its 90% admission rate, but it's not where Wisconsin's top-earning social workers are graduating from.