Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 3 for University of Wisconsin-River Falls — University of Wisconsin-Parkside has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | University of Wisconsin-River Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.86 ✓ | 9.69 |
| Avg net price | $11,772 ✓ | $14,054 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $51,129 | $54,458 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 75.4% ✓ | 81.7% |
| Graduation rate | 40.4% | 57% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,492 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,844 | 4,205 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1090 | 1150 ✓ |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-River Falls costs $2,282 more per year than University of Wisconsin-Parkside ($14,054 vs $11,772). University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates report $3,329 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,458 vs $51,129). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Parkside ahead on projected ROI (10.86 vs 9.69, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-Parkside) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Wisconsin-Parkside is accessible at 75.4% acceptance versus 81.7% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Parkside vs University of Wisconsin-River Falls, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-Parkside or University of Wisconsin-River Falls the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.86 vs 9.69), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside is cheaper — average net price $11,772 per year vs $14,054 at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The annual difference of $2,282 adds up to about $9,128 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,458 vs $51,129 at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,329.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Parkside is more selective at 75.4% acceptance vs 81.7% at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of Wisconsin-Parkside reports a A value grade; University of Wisconsin-River Falls reports B.

