Home Schools University of Wisconsin-Stout Computer Networking
Computer & Information Sciences · Computer Networking Rank #3 of 41

Computer Networkingat University of Wisconsin-Stout

Graduates earn $66,623/yr in their first year — about 15.0% above the national Computer Networking average. Base-case 10-year earnings $846K; scenarios range from $671K to $880K depending on AI disruption.

Menomonie, WI Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
83 STRONG
84
Optimistic
77
Pessimistic
Earnings
$66,623
1-year post-graduation
ROI
21.5x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$846K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
59% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Wisconsin-Stout

While the raw earnings data is impressive, it reflects UW-Stout's specific identity as Wisconsin's Polytechnic University. Your education won't be purely theoretical; it's intensely hands-on, which means you'll graduate with practical skills that are immediately valuable. The program has strong ties to the regional economy, placing graduates into essential IT infrastructure roles at major Midwestern companies like 3M, Target, and various large-scale manufacturers and healthcare systems headquartered in the Twin Cities.

The high AI risk score isn't a red flag but a signal: routine network administration is being automated. Your long-term success will hinge on moving beyond entry-level tasks. Therefore, your key action item is to aggressively pursue internships and co-ops. This real-world experience is what will allow you to quickly advance into higher-value architect, security, or management roles where human strategic thinking is irreplaceable.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$671K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score77/100
Earnings Multiple16.5x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$846K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score83/100
Earnings Multiple20.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$880K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score84/100
Earnings Multiple21.7x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Wisconsin-Stout's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Computer Networking graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Computer and information systems managers
+15.2% 10-yr growth · 55,600 openings/yr
$171,200/yr
High
2
Computer and information research scientists
+19.7% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$140,910/yr
High
3
Database architects
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 4,000 openings/yr
$135,980/yr
Very High
4
Software developers
+15.8% 10-yr growth · 115,200 openings/yr
$133,080/yr
Very High
5
Computer network architects
+11.9% 10-yr growth · 11,200 openings/yr
$130,390/yr
High
6
Information security analysts
+28.5% 10-yr growth · 16,000 openings/yr
$124,910/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Computer Networking

How University of Wisconsin-Stout stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Weber State University
UT · Public
85
DW Score
$72K
1-yr earn
32.9x
ROI
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
MN · Public
81
DW Score
$68K
1-yr earn
14.6x
ROI
Utah Valley University
UT · Public
84
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
36.5x
ROI
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
OH · Public
81
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
30.1x
ROI
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus
OH · Public
81
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
30.1x
ROI
Also at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Other top programs at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Wisconsin-Stout, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Networking offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Computer Networking trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Computer Networking at University of Wisconsin-Stout

What does a 83/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Networking at University of Wisconsin-Stout?

At 83/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Networking at University of Wisconsin-Stout?

The 68% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.