Admit rate has ranged 66%–75% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is a public university in Kenosha, WI, known for its accessible admissions, strong business and health sciences programs, and a commuter-heavy student body. With a 75-98% acceptance rate (sources vary), it serves as a practical, affordable option for Wisconsin students, though its 40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges of its largely non-traditional student population.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
2,844
In-state tuition
$8,270
Out-of-state tuition
$17,429
Avg. Aid Award
$7,598
Acceptance Rate
65.8–98%
6-Year Grad Rate
40%
Notable Programs
Business, Health Sciences, Biology
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Median Earnings (Early Career)
$36,427–$42,154
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,129
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
4.3×
Median debt at graduation
$20,492
Graduation rate
40%
First-year retention
69%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
54%
Pell (lower-income) share
60%
First-generation share
41%
Endowment / student
$5,989
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer Science$56,641
Accounting and Related Services$44,830
Business/Commerce, General$42,682
Marketing$40,647
Criminal Justice and Corrections$34,526
Sociology$33,565
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
1
Per 1,000 students
0.35
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
96
Summer high
79°F
Winter low
21°F
Annual rain
39.3"
Annual snow
36.2"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
114
Scholarly works
3,116
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Parkside?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside's acceptance rate is approximately 75% (Kenosha, WI), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Parkside cost?
At University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the average net price (after aid) is about $11,772 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Wisconsin-Parkside?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside enrolls approximately 2,844 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Wisconsin-Parkside located?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside is located in Kenosha, WI.
Admissions
UW-Parkside is one of the least selective universities in the UW System, with reported Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 65.8% to 98% across sources—likely reflecting fluctuations in application volume and institutional priorities. Test scores (SAT/ACT) are considered but not required, and high school GPA is the primary academic factor. The university serves a high proportion of 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 Pell-eligible students, with 81% of enrollees receiving financial aid. Admissions deadlines are rolling, emphasizing accessibility over selectivity.
Acceptance Rate: 65.8% (Fall 2020) to 98% (recent estimates)
Test-Optional: SAT/ACT considered but not required
Key Factors: High school GPA is required; class rank, essays, and recommendations are neither required nor recommended
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$32,569
Psychology, General$28,236
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
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 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.
UW-Parkside’s value proposition is clear: it’s a no-frills, affordable university that serves 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.
University of Wisconsin-Parkside logo · sourceUW-Parkside - Universities of Wisconsin · sourceVisit | The Rita | UW-Parkside · sourceVirtual Tour | UW-Parkside · source
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