Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW-Stout graduates from this program earn substantially more than the typical software graduate—$54,639 in year one beats the national median by over $16,000. Within Wisconsin, where this program is relatively rare with only six schools offering it, Stout lands squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. But here's what matters for parents: the trajectory is strong. Earnings jump 26% to nearly $69,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are gaining valuable skills that employers increasingly reward.

The $27,000 in debt is exactly average for this field nationally, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49—well within the manageable range where graduates can realistically pay down loans without derailing other financial goals. This is roughly half a year's starting salary, which financial advisors typically consider quite reasonable. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means the data is reliable enough to trust, though not large enough to capture every possible career path.

For Wisconsin families, the real advantage here is getting above-average outcomes at an accessible institution with an 85% admission rate. Your child doesn't need perfect test scores to access a program that outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationwide. The combination of manageable debt, solid starting pay, and meaningful earnings growth makes this a practical investment rather than a gamble.