Location: Menomonie, WI•In-State Tuition: $10,142•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,706•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1150
Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,623
90th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.41 ManageableSample: 40 graduates

Analysis

UW-Stout's Computer Systems Networking program launches graduates into strong earnings territory quickly, with first-year median pay of $66,623 that jumps 34% to $89,315 by year four. That trajectory places it in the 90th percentile nationally—well above the $60,540 national median for similar programs. With debt of $27,000 (0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio), graduates are borrowing less than half their first year's salary, creating immediate financial breathing room.

The state percentile of 60th might seem modest, but context matters: UW-Stout is the only Wisconsin school reporting data for this specific bachelor's program, making it the de facto in-state option for networking and telecommunications. The program appears to benefit from Wisconsin's strong manufacturing and tech sectors, which need networking professionals to support operations. The 85% admission rate and moderate selectivity suggest accessibility without sacrificing outcomes.

For parents evaluating this program, the math works clearly in your favor. Graduates can realistically pay off their debt within a few years while watching their salaries climb substantially. The moderate sample size means these figures reflect actual outcomes, not projections. If your student is interested in the infrastructure side of IT rather than pure software development, this represents a practical path to solid middle-class earnings without the debt burden common to many tech programs.

Where University of Wisconsin-Stout Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-StoutOther computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Stout earns $67k — 90th percentile among computer systems networking and telecommunications bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Wisconsin-Stout$66,623$89,315+34%
Rochester Institute of Technology$73,367$102,067+39%
Wentworth Institute of Technology$68,056$89,737+32%
DePaul University$61,482$82,387+34%
University of Minnesota-Duluth$51,291$76,319+49%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie$10,142$66,623$89,315$27,0000.41
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$73,367$102,067$31,0000.42
Weber State UniversityOgden$6,391$71,941$71,805——
Park UniversityParkville$16,400$71,601$66,862$15,0000.21
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$68,056$89,737$27,0000.40
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis$16,488$68,047—$20,5000.30
National Median—$60,540—$27,0000.45

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.

Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.