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Polymer Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Polymer/Plastics Engineering
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,800/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (21,200 openings/yr)
ROI 18.4x earnings multiple (10.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 4 Polymer/Plastics Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Polymer Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $768K $745K $657K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.9x 18.4x 16.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.3x 10.0x 8.8x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 57

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
$22,964
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $75,800/yr, edging above the $71,235 national average for Polymer Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 18.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Polymer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,964 in median debt against $75,800 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Polymer Engineering is offered at just 4 schools in our analysis. University of Wisconsin-Stout's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

About University of Wisconsin-Stout

University of Wisconsin-Stout has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,900 students in Menomonie, WI.

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

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Chemical engineers $121,860/yr
Materials engineers $108,310/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 4 schools offering Polymer Engineering →

Polymer Engineering at Other Schools

University of Massachusetts-Lowell ($77,114) Pennsylvania College of Technology ($71,651) Western Washington University ($60,375)

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Computer Engineering ($80,493) Mechanical Engineering ($73,260) Manufacturing Engineering ($72,830) Construction Management ($72,779) Engineering-Related Fields ($71,117) Engineering Technology, General ($67,461) Applied Mathematics ($67,159) Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($66,623)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Polymer Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Stout?
At 59/100, University of Wisconsin-Stout's Polymer Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Polymer Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Stout?
The 47% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →