Software Development at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
79
Optimistic
77
Base Case
71
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%

Program Analysis

UW-Stout's strength comes from its identity as a polytechnic university, which means your education is intensely hands-on from day one. You won't just learn theory; you'll build a portfolio of real projects that employers can see and evaluate. This practical, career-focused approach gives you a distinct advantage. While Menomonie is a small town, the university has strong recruiting ties to the robust tech sector in nearby Minneapolis-St. Paul, home to major corporations like Target, Best Buy, and Medtronic. The "Media Applications" focus also prepares you for in-demand roles in UI/UX and front-end development that blend technical skill with creative design. To stand out against the rising tide of AI, your key action is to fully engage in the co-op and internship programs to build professional experience before you even graduate.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Software Development 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

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

Software Development 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 Software Development program score?
A score of 77/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Wisconsin-Stout's Software Development graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Software Development to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Software Development 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 →