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Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $54,639/yr (18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (10.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #4 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Software and Media Applications graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$785K	$750K	$616K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.3x	18.5x	15.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.5x	10.0x	8.2x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	79	77	71

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,568

Out-of-state: $74,824 (10.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,460

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,500

5.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$78,990

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $54,639 per year, Computer Software and Media Applications graduates from University of Wisconsin-Stout earn slightly above the $46,351 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 18.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 70% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $25,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #4 ranking out of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs nationally puts University of Wisconsin-Stout in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $54,639 to $78,990 shows 45% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Wisconsin-Stout

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Wisconsin-Stout prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,900 in Menomonie, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Stout →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr

Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Wisconsin-Stout's Computer Software and Media Applications program score?

A score of 77/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Wisconsin-Stout's Computer Software and Media Applications graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

How vulnerable is Computer Software and Media Applications to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Computer Software and Media Applications careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →