Paying for College

A Worthwhile Investment with a Big Value

At UW-Stout Polytechnic, we believe in delivering an outstanding, career-focused education at an affordable price. Our students get more—from technology and textbooks to personalized support—all at a cost that’s lower than most traditional four-year universities. 

Built-In Value That Saves You More

Unlike some universities where additional expenses add up, UW-Stout Polytechnic’s tuition and fees include valuable extras that help you save:

• eStout Laptop Program: A high-quality, industry-standard laptop loaded with the software you need. No extra fees for most programs. Plus, your laptop comes with a durable backpack for convenience and protection.
• Textbook Rental: Required textbooks and materials are included at no additional cost.
• Fitness Center Access: Unlimited use of our on-campus fitness centers—no membership fee for qualifying students.
• Free Tutoring & Academic Support: Extensive free tutoring, writing center support, and learning resources.
• Library Equipment Checkout: Borrow cameras, tripods, and other specialized equipment free through the library.
• Meal Plan Rollover: Unused dining dollars roll over each semester, year over year.
• Lower Cost of Living: Menomonie’s cost of living is significantly lower than larger cities, making housing, dining, and entertainment more affordable.
• Financial Wellness Resources: Get personalized help with budgeting, managing student loans, understanding credit, and making informed financial choices.
• Minnesota Reciprocity and Midwest Tuition: Lower tuition rates for qualifying students.

Additional Ways Our Students Save

Stout students benefit from multiple cost-saving opportunities:

• 75% of first-year, full-time undergraduates receive financial aid packages averaging more than $11,200 in financial support.
• $2M+ in Scholarships Awarded Each Year helping reduce the cost of your degree.
• No Hidden Fees: Essential academic tools like software, laptops, and textbooks are covered.
• Student Employment Opportunities: Many Stout students earn income and build their résumés through on-campus or local jobs.

Your Smart Investment in a UW-Stout Polytechnic Degree

Every dollar you invest at UW-Stout Polytechnic supports a high-quality, career-focused education designed to pay off—in both opportunity and lifelong value. Our polytechnic model ensures you graduate with knowledge, experience, and in-demand skills.

• Industry-Aligned Degrees with Strong Outcomes: 99% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
• Hands-on Applied Learning Built into Your Degree: Required co-ops, internships, and project-based experiences mean you’ll graduate with paid, real-world experience.
• Strong Lifetime Return: On average, Stout grads earn $4 in additional lifetime earnings for every $1 they invest in their education.
• High Starting Salaries: Our graduates report some of the highest starting salaries among Universities of Wisconsin.
• Finish in Four Years: Most of our undergraduate programs require just 120 credits helping you stay on track to graduate on time and reduce costs.
• Personalized Experience: Small class sizes and direct access to faculty mean you’re not just a number.
• Average Annual Rate of Return: A UW-Stout Polytechnic degree delivers an impressive 15.2% annual return on your investment.