Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs β see details below.
Analysis
Based on peer computer science programs in Wisconsin, graduates here might expect around $68,700 in first-year earnings against $25,000 in debtβa 0.36 ratio that suggests manageable repayment. This estimated earning figure sits right at the state median and well above the $61,300 national benchmark, which makes sense given Wisconsin's tech sector strength. The debt estimate, drawn from similar-sized programs at UW-Superior, aligns with both state and national medians for computer science degrees.
The challenge is the limited graduate data: the DOE can't report actual outcomes when sample sizes are too small, so we're working entirely from comparable programs rather than this specific school's track record. That creates real uncertainty. UW-Superior's 94% admission rate and 1050 average SAT suggest it serves a different student population than UW-Madison (where CS grads average $80,600) or even UW-Eau Claire ($73,300). Whether that affects post-graduation outcomes is simply unknown without actual data.
If your child attends and follows the typical Wisconsin computer science pattern, the investment appears soundβearning nearly three times the debt load in year one. But recognize you're betting on estimates, not proven results from this specific program. That's particularly important to weigh if comparing to schools with reported outcomes or if your child has offers from programs with documented success placing graduates.
Where University of Wisconsin-Superior Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,487 | $68,711* | β | $25,000* | β | |
| $11,205 | $80,566* | $97,595 | $22,500* | 0.28 | |
| $9,277 | $73,321* | $86,129 | $22,614* | 0.31 | |
| $32,286 | $72,789* | $70,895 | $28,500* | 0.39 | |
| $48,700 | $70,530* | $83,528 | $22,536* | 0.32 | |
| $8,315 | $68,711* | $84,609 | $25,000* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | β | $61,322* | β | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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-Superior, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.