Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,736
55th percentile (60th in WI)
Median Debt
$25,000
5% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.68
Manageable
Sample Size
30
Adequate data

Analysis

UW-Stout's rehabilitation program shows promising momentum that distinguishes it from most alternatives in Wisconsin. Starting at $36,736, graduates see their earnings jump 37% to reach $50,184 by year four—substantially outpacing typical career progression in this field. Among Wisconsin programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for early earnings, and the four-year trajectory suggests graduates are advancing into supervisory or specialized therapeutic roles faster than their peers.

The $25,000 debt load matches Wisconsin's median and sits reasonably below the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68. What matters here is the earnings growth: that first-year figure of $36,736 might seem modest, but the leap to $50,184 demonstrates real career momentum. Compare this to UW-Milwaukee's program, where graduates start around $30,561 with less clear growth potential, or even UW-Madison at $32,049.

For rehabilitation professions—where advancement often depends on clinical experience, certifications, and specialty development—UW-Stout appears to position graduates well for this progression. The debt is contained enough that year-one salaries cover it comfortably, and by year four, graduates earn nearly double their debt. This program delivers what you want: reasonable entry costs with clear evidence that graduates don't plateau early in their careers.

Where University of Wisconsin-Stout Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-StoutOther rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs

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 $37k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-Stout$36,736$50,184$25,0000.68
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$41,370$50,331$21,3740.52
Alverno College$36,361———
University of Wisconsin-Madison$32,049$55,568$23,9820.75
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$30,561$51,056$26,5000.87
National Median$35,966—$26,2500.73

Other Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse
$9,651$41,370$21,374
Alverno College
Milwaukee
$32,794$36,361—
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
$11,205$32,049$23,982
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
$10,020$30,561$26,500

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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.