University of Wisconsin-Parkside

UW-Parkside offers 33 undergraduate majors and 11 master’s degrees, with standout programs in Business (especially Accounting), Applied Health Sciences, and Biological Sciences. The student-faculty ratio is 16:1, and 50.9% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The curriculum leans practical, with opportunities for undergraduate research and conference presentations—a highlight noted by students. However, the university’s academic profile is modest, with no nationally ranked graduate programs.

• Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Small Classes: 50.9% have <20 students
• Notable Programs: Business, Health Sciences, Biology
• Graduate Offerings: 11 master’s degrees, including MBA and Sustainable Management

Campus life is quiet, with many students commuting from nearby Milwaukee or Chicago suburbs. Only a fraction of the 4,000+ students live on campus, though housing options include apartment-style residences. Social life revolves around intramural sports, volunteer opportunities, and niche clubs rather than Greek life (which is absent). The student body is notably diverse—a point of pride for the university—but the lack of a cohesive campus culture is a common critique.

• Housing: Limited, with apartment-style options
• Athletics: NCAA Division II (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
• Clubs: 50+ organizations, including cultural and professional groups
• Vibe: Commuter-heavy, low-key, with ‘suitcase college’ weekends

Graduation rates are below national averages, with just 19% of students finishing in four years and 40% in six years—a reflection of the university’s non-traditional, working-class student body. Median earnings one year post-graduation are $36,427 (Niche) to $42,154 (U.S. News), with business and health graduates faring best. The university reports that 100% of 2016–2019 business alumni were employed within 15 months, though this likely reflects a small, self-selected survey sample.

• 4-Year Grad Rate: 19%
• 6-Year Grad Rate: 40%
• Median Earnings: $36,427–$42,154 (early career)
• Employment: Strong local job placement in business and healthcare

UW-Parkside is one of the most affordable four-year options in Wisconsin, with in-state tuition at $8,271 and out-of-state at $17,430. Over 80% of students receive aid, with an average grant award of $7,598. The university awards $1M+ in institutional scholarships annually and helps students secure an additional $400K in private scholarships. Net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators suggest many Pell-eligible students attend at minimal cost.

• In-State Tuition: $8,271
• Out-of-State Tuition: $17,430
• Average Aid Award: $7,598
• Scholarships: $1M+ institutional, $400K+ private annually

UW-Parkside’s value proposition is clear: it’s a no-frills, affordable university that serves first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and working students with flexible programs and a commuter-friendly setup. Its strengths are pragmatic—strong ties to Milwaukee and Chicago employers, a diverse student body, and faculty who prioritize teaching over research. But its low graduation rates and thin campus life mean it’s best suited for self-directed students who want a degree close to home without the debt.