Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Stout's Computer Engineering program ranks near the 60th percentile among Wisconsin programs with first-year earnings of $80,493—outperforming not only the state median by $4,000 but also edging out more selective programs at Milwaukee School of Engineering and UW-Milwaukee. For a school with an 85% admission rate, this performance is noteworthy. The $24,500 median debt translates to a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn back their entire debt load in just over three months of work.
The program's value becomes clearer when you consider Wisconsin's engineering job market. While Stout doesn't dominate the state rankings, it delivers earnings that match or exceed programs at schools with more competitive admissions profiles. This suggests strong industry connections or curriculum alignment with employer needs—practical advantages that matter more than institutional prestige when launching an engineering career.
For families, this looks like a solid investment: competitive engineering salaries with manageable debt at a school where admission is realistic for most qualified applicants. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in the data without raising red flags about program viability. If your student can handle the technical coursework and wants to stay in the Midwest, Stout offers a straightforward path to a well-paying engineering career without the stress of highly selective admissions or crushing debt.
Where University of Wisconsin-Stout Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,142 | $80,493 | — | $24,500 | 0.30 | |
| $48,421 | $78,333 | $88,667 | $27,000 | 0.34 | |
| $10,020 | $76,982 | — | — | — | |
| $8,212 | $76,187 | — | — | — | |
| $8,315 | $71,635 | $84,723 | $24,500 | 0.34 | |
| $48,700 | $69,664 | $87,293 | $24,767 | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952 | — | $24,500 | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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-Stout, approximately 23% 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.