Location: Milwaukee, WI•In-State Tuition: $10,020•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,020•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1090
Median Earnings (1yr)
$76,982
43rd percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Est. Median Debt
$23,125
Est. from national median (129 programs)
Sample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

UW-Milwaukee's computer engineering graduates start at $76,982—solid for Wisconsin but slightly below the national median of $78,952. The program lands in the middle of the pack nationally (43rd percentile) while performing better against in-state competition (60th percentile), earning more than programs at Marquette and UW-Platteville, though trailing UW-Stout and Milwaukee School of Engineering by a few thousand dollars.

The estimated debt load of $23,125, derived from similar bachelor's programs at the institution, translates to a favorable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's manageable for an engineering degree—roughly three months of gross first-year income. If the actual debt for computer engineering students aligns with this estimate, graduates should handle repayment comfortably given typical engineering salary trajectories. The numbers suggest peer programs at UW-Milwaukee carry comparable debt burdens, which adds some confidence to the projection.

For an 88% admission rate school serving a substantial Pell grant population, these outcomes demonstrate the program delivers solid economic returns. Your child would enter the workforce earning close to state averages for this major without drowning in debt, assuming the borrowing estimate holds. The main uncertainty is whether computer engineering students at UWM specifically borrow more or less than the institutional average—something worth confirming with the financial aid office before committing.

Where University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (estimated ±10%)Other computer engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee earns $77k — 43th percentile among computer engineering bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$76,982—$23,125*—
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie$10,142$80,493—$24,500*0.30
Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee$48,421$78,333$88,667$27,000*0.34
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh$8,212$76,187——*—
University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville$8,315$71,635$84,723$24,500*0.34
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee$48,700$69,664$87,293$24,767*0.36
National Median—$78,952—$24,500*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, approximately 30% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.