Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering

Milwaukee School of Engineering's electrical and communications engineering graduates start behind the curve, earning about $3,000 less than both the national and Wisconsin medians. While $74,901 is solid income in absolute terms, parents should note this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin engineering programs—meaning three of the state's five programs deliver stronger starting outcomes. UW-Madison and Marquette graduates earn roughly $7,000-$8,000 more right out of the gate, a gap that compounds over time.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, graduates carry manageable loans that represent just 36% of first-year earnings. This positions MSOE favorably compared to the national debt benchmark, and the four-year earnings growth to $82,315 shows graduates do gain ground professionally. Still, that growth rate of 10% merely keeps pace with typical career progression—it doesn't close the initial earnings gap with top Wisconsin programs.

For families comparing in-state options, MSOE charges a premium—through higher tuition or lost earning potential—versus UW-Madison's superior outcomes at likely lower cost. The 60% acceptance rate suggests MSOE is accessible, but accessibility matters less if peer institutions deliver better financial returns. Unless location in Milwaukee specifically matters for your family, the stronger Wisconsin public options warrant serious consideration first.