Analysis
Based on comparable Computer Science programs in Wisconsin, UW-Oshkosh appears to position graduates near the middle of the state's range, with estimated first-year earnings around $59,000. That's roughly $12,000 below the national median for Computer Science bachelor's degrees and trails flagship outcomes like UW-Milwaukee's $74,000 by a significant margin. The estimated debt load of $26,000 creates a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio—you'd owe roughly five months of gross income, which is reasonable for a technical degree.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because this program's actual outcomes aren't reported (likely due to small graduate cohorts), these figures represent what similar Wisconsin CS programs typically produce, not what UW-Oshkosh specifically delivers. Computer Science outcomes can vary dramatically based on program quality, recruiting relationships, and career services support. The gap between top-performing and mid-tier programs in Wisconsin spans over $20,000 in first-year earnings—a substantial difference that compounds over a career.
For families weighing this option, the key question is whether UW-Oshkosh's specific program justifies confidence despite the data gap. If your student has direct admission to stronger-performing CS programs in Wisconsin, those merit serious consideration. If this is the most accessible option, the estimated debt burden isn't alarming, but probe the school about job placement rates, employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually land—information that should be available even when federal data isn't.
Where University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,212 | $59,093* | — | $26,189* | — | |
| $10,020 | $73,795* | $80,355 | $29,000* | 0.39 | |
| $44,432 | $70,730* | — | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $7,855 | $64,354* | — | $26,189* | 0.41 | |
| $11,982 | $53,832* | $73,463 | $38,409* | 0.71 | |
| $8,342 | $52,324* | $69,844 | $23,677* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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-Oshkosh, approximately 16% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.