Computer Science at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

UW-Green Bay's computer science graduates start behind the curve but gain momentum quickly. First-year earnings of $52,324 lag far behind the national median of nearly $71,000, placing this program in just the 13th percentile nationally. However, by year four, graduates are earning nearly $70,000—a 34% jump that narrows the gap considerably. The debt load of $23,677 is reasonable and below the Wisconsin state median, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45.

The state comparison provides useful perspective: UW-Green Bay ranks squarely in the middle of Wisconsin's 18 CS programs (40th percentile), trailing the bigger UW campuses and some private colleges but staying competitive with regional alternatives. For an open-admission regional campus with an 88% acceptance rate, these outcomes suggest the program delivers solid value for students who might not have access to more selective universities. The strong earnings growth pattern indicates graduates are developing marketable skills, even if employer recognition or starting salary negotiations put them at an initial disadvantage.

The tradeoff here is clear: accept lower starting pay in exchange for manageable debt and decent long-term prospects. If your child can gain admission to UW-Milwaukee (which shows significantly higher earnings), that's likely worth pursuing. But for students who need the accessibility of UW-Green Bay's open admissions, this program offers a legitimate path into tech careers without crushing debt.