UW Oshkosh vs University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP)

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point stand as two distinct academic havens, each offering a unique educational experience. While both institutions share the UW System's commitment to excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UW-Oshkosh boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while UW-Stevens Point maintains a slightly smaller student population, fostering a close-knit community. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your higher education journey. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, ensuring a fulfilling and successful college experience.

	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Overview
Location	Oshkosh, Wisconsin	Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	69.0%	75.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	89.9%	90.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $56	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $56
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	18 - 23	19 - 25
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score	59.0%	69.0%
Total number of applicants	8,524	8,100
Total number of admissions given out	7,662	7,303
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,786	1,810
Yield rate	23.3%	24.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,191 Out of state: $28,764	In state: $19,313 Out of state: $28,017
Average net price	$12,975	$14,122
Tuition	In state: $6,422 Out of state: $13,995	In state: $6,698 Out of state: $15,402
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,662 Meal plan: $3,330	Room/dormitory: $4,600 Meal plan: $3,200
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	60.0% Average amount $4,031	85.0% Average amount $3,831
Students receiving federal student loan	43.0% Average amount $4,878	46.0% Average amount $4,983
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $9,406	8.0% Average amount $9,737

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	12,946 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	7,489 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	1,196 Men 29.3% Women 70.7%	640 Men 26.4% Women 73.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	9.3%	10.5%
International students	1.0%	0.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	2,473	3,049
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Michigan California	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida Michigan

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Education Public Administration and Social Service Business	Health Professions Education Natural Resources and Conservation Liberal Arts Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	55.2%	55.4%
Dropout rate	42.5%	43.2%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,794 Year 2: $80,292 Year 3: $96,140 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,284 Year 2: $59,556 Year 3: $62,330 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,689 Year 2: $53,984 Year 3: $57,623 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,271 Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $56,966 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,969 Year 2: $54,531 Year 3: $56,450 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,757 Year 2: $47,595 Year 3: $56,169 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,949 Year 2: $49,158 Year 3: $54,566 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,122 Year 2: $41,342 Year 3: $52,184 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $50,105 Year 3: $51,437 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,921 Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: $48,623	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,856 Year 2: $51,972 Year 3: $65,045 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,058 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $59,616 Soil Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,118 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $56,239 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,141 Year 2: $49,392 Year 3: $53,848 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,882 Year 2: $49,962 Year 3: $51,264 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,127 Year 2: $39,693 Year 3: $47,755 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,532 Year 2: $24,615 Year 3: $47,617 Forestry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,992 Year 2: $35,670 Year 3: $46,850 Natural Resources Management and Policy (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,505 Year 2: $31,640 Year 3: $43,601 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,273 Year 2: $33,138 Year 3: $41,847

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in campus environment between UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point?

UW-Oshkosh has a more urban campus feel, located in the city of Oshkosh, offering easy access to city amenities and a larger student population. UW-Stevens Point, on the other hand, provides a more traditional, close-knit college town atmosphere, surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, with a slightly smaller student body.
How do the academic programs compare at UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UW-Oshkosh is particularly strong in business, nursing, and education, with a focus on practical application and career preparation. UW-Stevens Point is well-regarded for its natural resources, arts, and communication programs, emphasizing hands-on learning and research opportunities in these fields.
Which university is better for students interested in outdoor recreation?

UW-Stevens Point is the clear choice for students passionate about outdoor recreation. Its location near the Wisconsin River and numerous parks and forests provides unparalleled access to activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping. While UW-Oshkosh offers some outdoor opportunities, it doesn't have the same level of access to natural resources.
What is the cost of attendance at UW-Oshkosh versus UW-Stevens Point?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between the two universities. However, specific costs can vary depending on the chosen program, living arrangements, and financial aid eligibility. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities differ at the two universities?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. UW-Oshkosh, with its larger student body, often has a wider variety of clubs and a more diverse social scene. UW-Stevens Point fosters a strong sense of community, with a focus on outdoor activities and a more intimate campus environment. Both schools have Division III athletics, providing opportunities for student athletes.
Which university is better for students seeking a strong business program?

UW-Oshkosh is generally considered to have a stronger business program, particularly in areas like accounting, marketing, and finance. The university's College of Business offers a comprehensive curriculum and strong connections with local businesses, providing valuable internship and career opportunities.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. While specific job placement rates can fluctuate, both institutions have a good track record of helping graduates find employment. The strength of career services often depends on the specific program and the student's individual efforts.
What are the housing options like at UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. UW-Oshkosh has a larger selection of housing options due to its larger student population. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available in the surrounding communities.
Which university is a better fit for students interested in the arts?

UW-Stevens Point is often considered a better fit for students interested in the arts. The university has a well-regarded College of Fine Arts and Communication, offering programs in music, theatre, art, and communication. UW-Oshkosh also has arts programs, but UW-Stevens Point has a stronger reputation in this area.
How do the campus safety and security measures compare?

Both UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point prioritize campus safety and security. Both universities have campus police departments and implement various safety measures, including emergency alert systems, security cameras, and escort services. Specific safety protocols and resources may vary slightly between the two campuses, but both are committed to providing a safe environment for students.

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