Computer Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

UW-Platteville's computer engineering graduates start at $71,635—below both the Wisconsin median ($76,584) and significantly trailing the national benchmark ($78,952). Among Wisconsin's eight computer engineering programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile, meaning graduates earn less than peers at UW-Stout, Milwaukee School of Engineering, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Oshkosh. At the 24th percentile nationally, this program falls in the bottom quarter of computer engineering degrees across the country.

The $24,500 in typical debt is manageable at just 0.34 times first-year earnings, and the 18% salary growth to $84,723 by year four shows solid progression. However, even after four years, graduates still earn less than the typical computer engineering grad makes right out of school at most other programs. This matters because computer engineering is expensive to deliver—schools invest heavily in labs and equipment—and students should see returns that justify that investment.

For families prioritizing low debt and reasonable access (87% admission rate), this program delivers a safe path into engineering. But if your child has the credentials for UW-Stout or Milwaukee School of Engineering, those programs deliver $9,000 to $15,000 more annually right from graduation, which compounds significantly over a career. The question is whether UW-Platteville's lower pressure environment justifies leaving that money on the table.