Computer and Information Sciences at Academy College

Computer science programs in Minnesota typically launch graduates into solid first-year earnings around $74,000, which puts Academy College's estimated outcomes right at the state median. That's competitive with established programs at Bethel and Minnesota State-Mankato, and substantially above the $61,000 national benchmark for bachelor's degrees in this field. For parents worried about whether their child can break into tech from a smaller institution, peer programs suggest the earnings potential is there.

The debt picture requires more scrutiny. While similar programs nationally carry about $25,000 in student loans, Academy College's estimated debt of nearly $49,000—derived from comparable private colleges offering this degree—doubles that baseline. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, meaning graduates would owe roughly two-thirds of their first-year salary. That's manageable compared to some fields, but it means your child would be servicing considerably more debt than peers at Minnesota State schools or even some private colleges like Bethel, where median debt runs closer to $25,500.

The practical calculation: if Academy College offers something specific—particular career connections, schedule flexibility, or a learning environment where your child will thrive—the premium might justify itself given the strong earning potential in Minnesota's tech sector. But if the choice is primarily about cost, comparable programs exist at half the estimated debt load with similar career outcomes.