Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

UW-Platteville graduates in this technical field start earning nearly $68,000—more than $8,000 above the national median for industrial production programs. With manageable debt of $25,125, students pay off just 37 cents for every dollar they earn in that first year. The steady climb to $77,000 by year four suggests employers value the experience these graduates gain. Among 131 programs nationwide, this one ranks in the 72nd percentile for earnings, placing it firmly in the stronger half of options.

The debt picture is equally reasonable. At around $25,000, it's close to the national program median and translates to monthly payments that shouldn't strain a $67,000+ salary. That means graduates can likely afford housing, transportation, and other essentials without the debt burden dominating their budget. The program's accessible admission standards (87% acceptance rate) make this outcome available to students who might not qualify for highly selective schools.

For parents weighing technical education options, this program offers clear ROI: strong starting salaries, predictable earnings growth, and debt that won't follow their child around for decades. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't outlier results. If your student is drawn to manufacturing or industrial management, this represents a straightforward path to solid middle-class earnings without taking on excessive financial risk.