Applied Mathematics at University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW-Stout's Applied Mathematics program delivers something increasingly rare: strong starting earnings that actually grow substantially over time. With graduates earning $67,159 right out of college and $84,567 by year four—a 26% jump—this program outperforms the national median by over $10,000 initially and pulls further ahead as careers progress. At $21,000 in typical debt, students are looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31, meaning the first year's salary covers the debt more than three times over.

The program lands at the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's seven applied math programs, essentially matching the state median while performing above the 64th percentile nationally. This matters because UW-Stout's 85% admission rate makes it accessible to a broader range of students than most programs offering similar outcomes. The combination of manageable debt and earnings that accelerate past graduation suggests graduates are developing skills that command increasing value in the job market.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, this program presents a straightforward value proposition: below-average debt paired with above-average earnings that continue climbing. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the trajectory is clear enough to make this a solid choice for students interested in applied mathematics who want both accessibility and strong financial returns.