Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
90.1% Acceptance Rate
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
90.1%Acceptance Rate
3.27Avg GPA
1120Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$18,804Annual Cost
$52,021Grad Salary
27.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
90.1%
Avg GPA
3.27
Avg SAT
1120
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1080–1150
ACT Middle 50%
20–25
Avg Net Price
$13,726
Need-Based Aid
27.8% receive Pell
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a public, regional comprehensive university known for its focus on sustainability, natural resources, and student-centered learning. Admissions are based on a review of academic achievement and high school curriculum rigor. The university looks for students who are ready to engage in hands-on learning and contribute to its vibrant, campus-wide efforts toward environmental and community health.
Applicants should highlight their consistency in academic performance and their interest in fields related to science, education, or resource management. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning through school-based organizations, research, or community service will strengthen an application. The university values students who are not only academically prepared but also eager to participate in its collaborative and supportive academic community.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Acceptance Rate
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 90.1% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 90.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.27 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.07 – 3.26
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.82
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
UW-Stevens Point reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UW-Stevens Point GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UW-Stevens Point is 3.27. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.97–3.27 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.47–3.67.UW-Stevens Point GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.27 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.07 – 3.26
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.87 – 3.06
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.86
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- No essay or letter of recommendation required for first-year admission; no application fee; self-reported transcripts accepted; test-optional through Summer 2027 across the Universities of Wisconsin system.
- Direct Admit Wisconsin lets participating high schools fast-track students to a single-form application; accepting admission to one of UWSP's three campuses (Stevens Point, Marshfield, Wausau) closes applications to the other two.
- College of Natural Resources is the nation's largest undergraduate natural resources/environmental management program, Society of American Foresters-accredited since 1976, requiring a separate major-acceptance application with major-specific GPA minimums (2.0?2.50).
- Wildlife Ecology majors are academically qualified to pursue Certified Wildlife Biologist status through The Wildlife Society; UWSP's student TWS chapter has won National Chapter of the Year.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UW-Stevens Point
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if UW-Stevens Point is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into UW-Stevens Point Without SAT or ACT?
UW-Stevens Point considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Average SAT Score: 1120
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is 1120 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1120 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1150 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1080, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UW-Stevens Point. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1120 | 1080 | 1150 |
Below 1080, you're behind most admitted students; at 1150 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point) with a 1150 SAT?
A 1150 SAT puts you ahead of most of UW-Stevens Point's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at UW-Stevens Point is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 25 |
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of UW-Stevens Point's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at UW-Stevens Point.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UW-Stevens Point
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
UW-Stevens Point provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Use the no-essay, no-LOR admission to apply fast - but know it doesn't cover College of Natural Resources major acceptance
UWSP doesn't require an essay or letters of recommendation for first-year admission, accepts self-reported transcripts, and charges no application fee - among the lowest-friction applications in the UW System. But this general admission does not automatically grant entry into a College of Natural Resources major (Wildlife Ecology, Forestry, Fisheries and Water Resources, Soil and Waste Resources). You must submit a separate CNR major application before the start of your junior year, and you'll be notified within four weeks with an assigned adviser.
Know your specific CNR major's GPA floor - they're not uniform
Minimum GPA requirements vary sharply by discipline within the College of Natural Resources: 2.0 for paper science/chemical engineering, 2.25 for most CNR majors and minors, but 2.50 specifically for Wildlife Ecology and the Forest Ecosystem Restoration and Management option in forestry. A student assuming a single college-wide GPA threshold can be caught off guard if their intended major carries the higher 2.50 bar - check your specific major's number, not a general CNR average.
Plan your schedule around the mandatory Summer Field Experience at Treehaven
CNR majors (forestry, soils, water, wildlife) require an interdisciplinary summer field experience - typically a multi-week residential program at the 1,400-acre Treehaven facility in Tomahawk, WI - before you can move into intensive junior/senior coursework. This is a required, scheduled commitment, not an elective add-on; build it into your sophomore-to-junior year timeline rather than treating it as flexible. An alternative 5-week international natural resources seminar in Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic can substitute for this requirement.
If transferring in, check whether your major is exempt from the general 2.0 transfer GPA rule
Transfer students entering most CNR majors (fisheries and water resources, forestry, resource management, soil and waste resources) need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00. Wildlife Ecology is explicitly excepted from this rule - meaning its transfer-admission GPA standard works differently from its CNR siblings. Don't assume uniform transfer policy across CNR majors; verify your specific program's rule before you finalize your transfer plan.
Expert Insight:
The most common CNR-bound mistake is assuming that general UWSP admission (no essay, no fee, fast process) means you're also set for your natural resources major. CNR major acceptance is a distinct gatekeeping step with its own GPA floor and application timeline (due before junior year) - a student who delays this application risks being shut out of required 300/400-level CNR courses, which are restricted to approved majors only.
UW-Stevens Point Profile
Full Name
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point)
City
Stevens Point
State
Wisconsin
ZIP Code
54481-3897
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a UW-Stevens Point Degree Worth It?
At $18,804/year against a $52,021 median graduate salary, UW-Stevens Point is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $62,200, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.01%.
How much does a degree from UW-Stevens Point Cost?
The sticker price is $18,804/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $13,726.
27.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 49.8% take federal loans at UW-Stevens Point. File your FAFSA early and list UW-Stevens Point as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a UW-Stevens Point Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $52,021. That's about 28% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at UW-Stevens Point
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UW-Stevens Point Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point run about $52,021 a year.
At about $18,804 a year, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is on the more affordable end.
About 27.8% receive a Pell Grant at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 90.1%, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point average a 3.27 GPA.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 2.97 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.87, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — aim above 1120, ideally within the 1080–1150 range admitted students typically fall in.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 50. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Priority: 2026/02/01. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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