Computer Science at Augsburg University

Augsburg's Computer Science program produces graduates earning about $10,000 less than the typical Minnesota CS grad, landing in the 40th percentile statewide. While $63,065 is a respectable starting salary, it trails not just elite liberal arts schools like Carleton, but also public options like the University of Minnesota campuses and comparable private universities like St. Thomas. The gap matters: over a decade, that $10,000 annual difference compounds to roughly $100,000 in lost earning potential.

The debt picture is reasonable at $25,000—close to both state and national medians—resulting in a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio. Students can realistically pay this off within a few years. However, the earning disadvantage persists, which raises questions about whether Augsburg's computer science curriculum prepares graduates as competitively for the Minneapolis-St. Paul tech market as other local options.

For families prioritizing access—Augsburg admits 77% of applicants and serves a substantial Pell grant population—this program offers a legitimate path into technology careers with manageable debt. But if your child can gain admission to UMN-Twin Cities or another higher-performing Minnesota program, those options deliver stronger earnings outcomes for similar or lower debt levels. The program isn't a bad choice, but Minnesota families have demonstrably better alternatives at comparable price points.