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Polymer/Plastics Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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/Plastics 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/Plastics 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/Plastics 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/Plastics 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/Plastics Engineering →

Polymer/Plastics 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/Plastics Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Stout?
At 59/100, University of Wisconsin-Stout's Polymer/Plastics Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Polymer/Plastics 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 →