Computer and Information Sciences, General at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
89 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
90
Optimistic
89
Base Case
82
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,566/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 24.2x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,136K $1,084K $802K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.3x 24.2x 17.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 6.7x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 90 89 82

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (6.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$118,588
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Wisconsin-Madison Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates command $80,566/yr out of the gate, well above the $62,617 national median. That 29% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 24.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 29% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer and Information Sciences, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,500 in median debt clears quickly against $80,566 in annual earnings.

University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #19 among 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 47% earnings increase from $80,566 to $118,588 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison's 43% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 35,665 in Madison, WI.

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

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 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer and Information Sciences, General at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 89/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer and Information Sciences, General at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 89/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer and Information Sciences, General at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The 69% 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.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison one of the best schools for Computer and Information Sciences, General?
Among 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →