Computer and Information Sciences at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse's computer science graduates start below the Wisconsin median but experience something unusual: their salaries jump 30% over four years, vaulting them past many Wisconsin peers. That $19,000 gain suggests these graduates develop skills that employers increasingly value, even if their first job doesn't reflect their full potential. The $22,479 in median debt—notably lower than both state and national averages—makes this growth trajectory financially sustainable from day one.

Here's the catch: starting at $65,243 places graduates in the 40th percentile among Wisconsin's computer science programs. Schools like UW-Madison and UW-Eau Claire send graduates out earning $15,000-$20,000 more immediately. So families should ask whether waiting four years to catch up is worthwhile, especially when comparable programs offer both higher starting salaries and similar debt loads. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 is solid but unremarkable for this field.

The program works best for students who value UW-La Crosse's environment and can afford patience while their careers accelerate. But if maximizing earning power from graduation day matters—perhaps because of loan repayment pressure or family obligations—the state offers stronger immediate returns at comparable cost. The moderate sample size provides reasonable confidence in these patterns, though individual outcomes will vary.