Computer and Information Sciences at Lakeland University

Lakeland University's computer science graduates start strong at nearly $73,000—beating the national median by $11,000 and landing in the 78th percentile nationwide. That's impressive for a school with a 91% acceptance rate. However, the Wisconsin context tells a more nuanced story: while Lakeland beats the state median, it sits in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing UW-Madison by $8,000 and even regional competitors like UW-Eau Claire.

The concerning pattern is what happens next. Instead of earnings climbing as graduates gain experience, they actually slip 3% by year four to around $71,000. That's unusual for tech roles, which typically see steady growth. The debt situation is reasonable at $28,500—higher than state and national medians, but producing a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can handle.

For Wisconsin families, this comes down to cost comparison. If Lakeland offers substantial aid or you're avoiding UW system competition, those early earnings could justify enrollment. But parents should recognize they're paying a premium (both in debt and opportunity cost) for outcomes that land solidly mid-tier within Wisconsin, despite strong national rankings. The lack of salary growth suggests graduates may need to job-hop or relocate to match the trajectory peers at Madison or Eau Claire experience naturally.