Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at University of Wisconsin-Stout

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.