Engineering Technology at University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW-Stout's Engineering Technology program punches above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 86th percentile for earnings with a starting salary of $67,461—about $7,000 more than the typical engineering technology grad. The $25,000 median debt translates to a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first five months of work. At an 85% admission rate, this is an accessible program delivering outcomes that rival more selective institutions.

The earnings trajectory tells a practical story: steady growth to $72,929 by year four, which is solid if not spectacular. The 60th percentile ranking within Wisconsin is actually less informative here since UW-Stout appears to be the only school in the state reporting data for this program—making it both the best and only option for Wisconsin families seeking this specific credential in-state. Engineering technology programs bridge theory and hands-on application, and UW-Stout's polytechnic focus seems to translate into real employer value.

For parents weighing this investment, the math works clearly in your favor. Your child would graduate with below-average debt for the field while earning well above the national median from day one. That's the kind of financial foundation that allows young graduates to save, invest, or pursue graduate education without crushing loan payments.