Analysis
UW-Stout's mechanical engineering program delivers exactly what anxious parents hope for: strong earning power with manageable debt. At $73,260 in first-year earnings against just $27,000 in debt, graduates face a debt burden they can realistically handle in 4-5 years—significantly lighter than most engineering programs nationwide. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio ranks in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of mechanical engineering programs leave students with heavier debt loads relative to what they'll earn.
Within Wisconsin's small engineering landscape, this program holds its own admirably. Earning $73,260 places it just behind UW-Madison and ahead of established programs at Milwaukee School of Engineering and UW-Milwaukee. The 60th percentile ranking among Wisconsin programs confirms this isn't just competitive—it's above-average for the state. For families weighing in-state options, Stout delivers Madison-level outcomes without Madison's selectivity or the premium price tags at private alternatives.
The practical reality: your graduate walks out earning more than the typical Wisconsin engineer, with debt they can actually pay off quickly on that salary. For an 85% admission rate school, that's exceptional value. This is the kind of program where the return on investment speaks louder than the institutional prestige.
Where University of Wisconsin-Stout Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie | $10,142 | $73,260 | — | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $74,611 | $86,231 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
 Marquette UniversityMilwaukee | $48,700 | $73,049 | $78,328 | $26,602 | 0.36 |
 University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville | $8,315 | $71,612 | $77,244 | $26,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $70,474 | $77,520 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee | $48,421 | $68,976 | $77,208 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.