Computer Science at University of Wisconsin-Parkside

UW-Parkside's computer science program outperforms most in-state options while keeping debt manageable—a combination that matters for Wisconsin families. At $64,354 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than the state median ($59,093) and rank in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin CS programs, despite the school's modest selectivity. Only UW-Milwaukee and Saint Norbert deliver higher earnings in-state, and both serve different student profiles. The debt load of $26,189 translates to a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—well within comfortable repayment territory.

The national comparison shows room for growth, with graduates earning about $6,600 below the national CS median. However, this gap needs Wisconsin context: tech salaries in the Milwaukee-Kenosha corridor simply run lower than coastal markets, and UW-Parkside graduates are landing solid regional positions. For families comparing in-state public options, this program delivers better outcomes than most University of Wisconsin system campuses offering CS degrees.

The value proposition is straightforward: your child gets competitive Wisconsin tech earnings without excessive debt at a school with reasonable admission standards. If they're considering UW-Milwaukee, the earnings difference is $9,400—worth evaluating based on total cost of attendance. But compared to smaller Wisconsin privates or regional campuses, UW-Parkside offers a better return on the CS degree investment.