Computer Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison's Computer Engineering program lands squarely in the middle of Wisconsin's competitive tech landscape, with similar programs across the state producing first-year earnings around $76,600. The estimated debt load of $23,125 creates a manageable 0.30 ratio—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans with roughly four months of their first-year salary. By year four, when earnings jump to $117,059, this looks like solid financial footing for a flagship university program.

What's worth noting is the trajectory rather than the starting point. While peer programs at UW-Stout and Milwaukee School of Engineering report slightly higher initial earnings, the four-year figure of $117,000 suggests UW-Madison graduates accelerate quickly, likely benefiting from the university's research reputation and employer networks. The competitive admission profile (43% acceptance, 1402 SAT average) indicates you're paying for access to a more selective talent pool, though whether that translates to better long-term outcomes for this specific program remains unclear given the data limitations.

The bottom line: Computer Engineering at UW-Madison appears to deliver on the fundamentals—manageable debt paired with strong mid-career earnings growth. The uncertainty lies in whether this particular program outperforms its in-state competitors enough to justify choosing Madison over schools with lower costs or higher reported starting salaries. If your child is already competitive for admission and values the flagship experience, the financial risk seems limited.