Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Stout vary significantly by field of study, with technical and applied programs generally producing higher earnings than liberal arts disciplines. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than academic reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 31 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in graduate earnings, national rankings, or program value scores.
#2 nationally
$89K 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 graduate earnings, national rankings, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Wisconsin-Stout.
Engineering and technology programs represent UW-Stout's strongest academic offerings, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally. Applied Engineering Technologies ranks #7 nationally with graduates earning $72,929, while Mechanical Engineering produces graduates earning $73,260.
Engineering Design rounds out the cluster at $75,732 in median earnings. These programs demonstrate UW-Stout's technical excellence and justify the university's reputation as a hands-on institution.
Best suited for students prioritizing strong career outcomes and practical skills development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Computing. |
Program outcomes vary significantly within institutions due to different career markets, skill requirements, and industry demand patterns. Rankings reflect actual graduate employment outcomes from Department of Education data, not academic reputation or research strength. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion data to assess overall program performance. Data includes only programs with sufficient graduate cohorts for reliable measurement, typically requiring at least 10-30 graduates annually. Earnings reflect median outcomes 4-6 years after graduation and may vary based on geographic location, economic cycles, and individual career choices. These rankings help students evaluate programs based on measurable post-graduation outcomes rather than institutional prestige or subjective program quality assessments.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| #2 |
| $89,315★ |
| — |
| 30 |
| Polymer/Plastics Engineering.Small sample | — | $75,800 | — | 7 |
| Engineering Design. | #12 | $75,732 | — | 35 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | #8 | $75,450 | — | 22 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #208 | $73,260 | — | 56 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | #7 | $72,929 | — | 58 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #123 | $72,587 | — | 76 |
| Computer Graphics. | #5 | $68,816 | — | 50 |
Business programs show varied performance across specializations at UW-Stout. Business Administration leads enrollment with 284 graduates earning $62,307 and ranking #102 nationally, while specialized programs like Construction Management achieve exceptional results with $83,988 earnings and #11 national ranking.
Brewery Operations represents a unique niche program earning $43,253. The range spans from highly competitive specialties to solid general business preparation.
Students should focus on specialized business programs for optimal outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management, General. | #11 | $83,988★ | — | 43 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #99 | $62,307 | — | 284 |
| Real Estate. | #15 | $54,061 | — | 32 |
| General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other. | #14 | $47,843 | — | 34 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | #12 | $43,266 | — | 24 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #56 | $43,253 | — | 71 |
Health graduates earn 42K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #10 | $50,184★ | — | 21 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #68 | $34,526 | — | 26 |
Mathematics programs excel at UW-Stout with Applied Mathematics ranking #17 nationally and producing graduates earning $84,567. This represents one of the university's strongest liberal arts programs with outcomes rivaling engineering specialties.
The program demonstrates how UW-Stout applies practical focus even to traditional academic disciplines. Applied Mathematics stands out as exceptional preparation for students seeking analytical careers with strong earning potential in technical industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #17 | $84,567★ | — | 37 |
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. | #5 | $32,099 | — | 29 |
Psychology represents the primary social science offering at UW-Stout with graduates earning $41,160, ranking #275 nationally. This program produces moderate outcomes typical of liberal arts disciplines at technically-focused institutions.
Adult Development and Aging offers specialized preparation earning $38,021. These programs serve students seeking helping professions but with earnings below the university's technical program averages.
Best suited for students prioritizing social impact over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | #30 | $49,004★ | — | 20 |
| Psychology, General. | #281 | $41,160 | — | 44 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | #48 | $27,873 | — | 15 |
Visual communications programs showcase UW-Stout's creative strengths with Commercial Photography ranking #19 nationally and graduates earning $47,390. Computer Graphics achieves #5 national ranking with substantially higher earnings of $68,816, reflecting the technical nature of digital media fields.
These programs combine creative skills with technical proficiency, typical of UW-Stout's applied approach. Best suited for students seeking creative careers with strong technical components.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | #6 | $53,199 | — | 33 |
Limited humanities offerings reflect UW-Stout's technical mission, with most arts programs integrated into applied disciplines like Commercial Photography and Computer Graphics. Traditional liberal arts programs have smaller presence compared to technical and professional fields.
Students seeking comprehensive humanities education might consider other University of Wisconsin institutions with broader liberal arts offerings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #20 | $47,390★ | — | 154 |
| Creative Writing. | #23 | $47,302 | — | 25 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #228 | $30,077 | — | 12 |
Education programs at UW-Stout reflect typical teacher preparation outcomes with moderate earnings but important social value. Agricultural Teacher Education graduates earn $46,689 and rank #74 nationally, while Adult and Continuing Education produces graduates earning $39,507.
These programs serve Wisconsin's educational needs while providing stable career paths. Education majors should expect moderate earnings typical of teaching careers but meaningful professional impact.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #77 | $46,689★ | — | 63 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #75 | $40,896 | — | 23 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #176 | $39,507 | — | 38 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 30K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #149 | $29,685 | — | 23 |
Adult Development and Aging. leads other & interdisciplinary with 38K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Development and Aging. | #66 | $38,021★ | — | 78 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture. | #32 | $35,768 | — | 22 |
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.
