Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Platteville vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and technical programs substantially outperforming liberal arts and education majors in post-graduation earnings. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data, not institutional reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 29 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in national rankings, graduate earnings, and enrollment strength.
#118 nationally
$77K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Engineering and technology programs dominate UW-Platteville's strongest outcomes, with Chemical Engineering Technology ranking #1 nationally and producing graduates earning $76,919. Traditional engineering fields like Electrical Engineering ($86,569), Computer Engineering ($84,723), and Mechanical Engineering ($77,244) all generate strong career earnings well above the institutional median.
These programs consistently rank in the top tier nationally and represent the university's flagship academic offerings. Students prioritizing maximum earning potential and technical career preparation will find exceptional value in these programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. |
These rankings reflect actual post-graduation employment outcomes using federal College Scorecard data, which tracks graduates into the workforce 10 years after initial enrollment. Programs at the same institution produce different earnings because career fields vary dramatically in market demand, required skills, and compensation structures. Engineering and technical fields consistently outperform liberal arts and education majors due to industry demand and specialized training requirements. Cohort sizes indicate program popularity and provide confidence levels for earnings data—larger cohorts produce more reliable figures. Rankings compare programs against all similar programs nationally, not just within Wisconsin or peer institutions. Students should balance earning potential against personal interests, aptitudes, and career satisfaction factors when making program choices.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| #118 |
| $86,569★ |
| — |
| 66 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #94 | $84,723 | — | 51 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #118 | $84,609 | — | 28 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #143 | $77,244 | $23,072 | 190 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #1 🏆 | $76,919 | $20,000 | 168 |
| Engineering Physics. | #3 | $75,848 | — | 30 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #55 | $75,456 | — | 54 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #96 | $73,240 | — | 83 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #26 | $65,429 | — | 26 |
Business Administration represents UW-Platteville's largest non-engineering program, graduating 169 students annually with median earnings of $56,399. While ranking #165 nationally, the program achieves #5 status within Wisconsin and maintains a solid value score of 51.6, indicating reasonable return on investment.
Business graduates earn moderately below the institutional average but benefit from lower debt levels at $16,593. This program suits students seeking practical business training with manageable educational investment and solid regional career prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.Small sample | #248 | $58,555★ | — | 16 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #161 | $56,399 | $16,593 | 169 |
Artificial Intelligence emerges as the standout program in this category, producing graduates earning $84,609 and ranking #121 nationally despite smaller cohort sizes of 28 students. Biology represents the traditional science pathway with 81 graduates earning $49,171, though outcomes lag significantly behind technical programs.
Computer Science through Artificial Intelligence provides strong earning potential comparable to engineering, while traditional biological sciences show more modest career returns. Students should carefully consider specialization within this diverse field group.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #184 | $49,171★ | — | 81 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #126 | $44,189 | — | 29 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | — | $39,585 | — | 9 |
Psychology, General. leads social sciences & policy with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | #253 | $43,511★ | — | 40 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | — | $41,193 | — | 8 |
| American Government and Politics (United States).Small sample | — | $32,569 | — | 7 |
American History (United States). leads humanities & arts with 40K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States).Small sample | — | $39,578★ | — | 6 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | — | $37,460 | — | 5 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | — | $29,685 | — | 7 |
Adult and Continuing Education produces graduates earning $37,856, representing the lowest earnings among major programs but serving an important regional workforce development function. With 74 graduates annually, the program maintains reasonable enrollment despite modest career earnings.
Education programs typically lead to public service careers with non-monetary benefits like pension systems and job security. Students should carefully evaluate debt levels relative to expected public sector salaries when considering education pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education.Small sample | #129 | $44,287★ | — | 19 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #186 | $37,856 | — | 74 |
Agricultural programs at UW-Platteville demonstrate solid regional performance with Agricultural Animal Breeding ranking #33 nationally and producing graduates earning $42,444. Agribusiness graduates earn $54,473 and rank #27 nationally, showing stronger career prospects.
Agricultural Plant Breeding achieves exceptional rankings at #9 nationally with earnings of $52,883, though with smaller cohort sizes of 31 graduates. These programs excel for students committed to agricultural careers and rural economic development, offering specialized expertise with reasonable earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #28 | $54,473★ | — | 56 |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding. | #9 | $52,883 | — | 31 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #33 | $42,444 | — | 66 |
Criminal justice programs show exceptional national rankings despite moderate earnings outcomes. Corrections Administration ranks #38 nationally with graduates earning $52,082, while Criminalistics and Criminal Science achieves #8 national ranking with earnings of $46,794.
Both programs rank #1 within Wisconsin, indicating state-level dominance in law enforcement education. These programs suit students committed to public service careers who prioritize specialized training and state recognition over maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #36 | $52,082★ | $16,900 | 121 |
| Criminalistics and Criminal Science. | #9 | $46,794 | — | 63 |
Psychology represents the primary liberal arts program with 40 graduates earning $43,511 annually. While ranking #249 nationally, the program provides foundation for graduate school preparation, with many students continuing to advanced degrees in counseling, social work, or clinical psychology.
These programs typically serve students planning graduate education rather than immediate workforce entry. Students should consider graduate school costs and timelines when evaluating these pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability Studies.Small sample | #4 | $59,089★ | — | 13 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #136 | $46,027 | — | 30 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
