Computer Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

In Wisconsin's competitive computer engineering landscape, UW-Oshkosh produces graduates earning $76,187 in their first year—landing squarely in the middle of the pack among the state's eight programs. While this trails Milwaukee School of Engineering and UW-Stout by a few thousand dollars, it's meaningfully ahead of higher-profile programs like Marquette. The estimated debt load of $23,125 (based on typical borrowing patterns at similar public universities) translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, suggesting graduates should be able to manage their loans on an entry-level engineering salary.

What makes this program worth consideration is the combination of solid outcomes with UW-Oshkosh's 87% admission rate. Computer engineering programs that crack $75,000 in first-year earnings typically have more selective admissions, but this provides a viable pathway for students who may not have the test scores for more competitive engineering schools. The estimated debt is also slightly below what peers nationally carry, which matters when every thousand dollars counts.

The practical takeaway: if your child can gain admission to UW-Stout or Milwaukee School of Engineering, those programs show marginally higher earnings. But UW-Oshkosh offers a reliable engineering outcome at a debt level that won't dominate their early career finances—a sensible choice given the more accessible admission standards.