Analysis
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin's computer science program charges significantly more in debt than its graduates initially earnβ$38,409 borrowed versus starting earnings of $53,832. That's nearly $15,000 more debt than the Wisconsin median for this degree, and students here pay 64% above the national average in borrowing costs. The program ranks in just the 15th percentile nationally for earnings, meaning 85% of computer science programs deliver better starting salaries.
The growth trajectory offers some relief: earnings jump 37% to $73,463 by year four, which outpaces both state and national medians at that mark. Among Wisconsin's 18 computer science programs, this one sits at the 40th percentileβmiddle of the pack within the state but well below UW-Milwaukee ($73,795 at year one) or even UW-Green Bay ($52,324). With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are taking on substantial debt relative to what more affordable in-state options deliver.
The debt burden is the critical issue. While mid-career earnings eventually justify the investment, students spend their early working years managing above-average loan payments that competitors' graduates have already paid down. For families prioritizing immediate ROI and lower debt stress, UW system schools offer similar or better outcomes at considerably less cost.
Where Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rasmussen University-Wisconsin graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | $53,832 | $73,463 | +36% |
| Harvard University | $152,251 | $256,539 | +68% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $73,795 | $80,355 | +9% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $52,324 | $69,844 | +33% |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin | $48,962 | $59,183 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,982 | $53,832 | $73,463 | $38,409 | 0.71 | |
| $10,020 | $73,795 | $80,355 | $29,000 | 0.39 | |
| $44,432 | $70,730 | β | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $7,855 | $64,354 | β | $26,189 | 0.41 | |
| $8,342 | $52,324 | $69,844 | $23,677 | 0.45 | |
| $34,250 | $48,962 | $59,183 | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $70,950 | β | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rasmussen University-Wisconsin, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 72 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.