Mechanical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Stout
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn $73k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all mechanical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | $73,260 | — | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $74,611 | $86,231 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
| Marquette University | $73,049 | $78,328 | $26,602 | 0.36 |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $71,612 | $77,244 | $26,000 | 0.36 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $70,474 | $77,520 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | $68,976 | $77,208 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $74,611 | $20,500 |
| Marquette University Milwaukee | $48,700 | $73,049 | $26,602 |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville | $8,315 | $71,612 | $26,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee | $10,020 | $70,474 | $27,000 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee | $48,421 | $68,976 | $27,000 |
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.