Computer Science at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee's computer science program punches well above Wisconsin's weight class. Starting at nearly $74,000—a solid $15,000 above the state median and even topping the national average—graduates here earn more than peers at 60% of Wisconsin CS programs. That's particularly impressive given UW-Milwaukee's open admission policies and student body where 30% receive Pell grants.

The debt story is equally compelling: $29,000 leaves graduates with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.39, meaning they owe roughly five months of salary. This puts the program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden—only 5% of computer science programs saddle students with more manageable debt. Graduates see steady 9% earnings growth to $80,000 by year four, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, not statistical flukes.

For Wisconsin families comparing options, UW-Milwaukee outearns all but Saint Norbert (which costs significantly more) and delivers dramatically better outcomes than UW's other regional campuses. At an institution where accessibility meets strong technical training, this program offers one of the state's best value propositions for entering the tech workforce without crushing debt.