Computer Science at Augustana College

Augustana College's computer science graduates start strong at $75K annually, beating both the Illinois state median ($71K) and national average ($71K). With just $27K in debt—significantly below the national median of $23K—the initial picture looks solid: that 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio is among the best in the state. However, the sharp earnings drop to $68K by year four deserves scrutiny, especially given the small sample size of under 30 graduates.

That earnings decline is unusual for computer science, where most programs see growth as graduates gain experience. This could reflect the small data sample or suggest that Augustana grads may be concentrated in lower-growth tech roles or geographic areas. At the 60th percentile statewide, the program sits comfortably above average but falls well short of Illinois powerhouses like UIUC and University of Chicago, which produce graduates earning 60-80% more.

For families seeking an affordable CS degree outside the hyper-competitive Illinois flagships, Augustana offers a reasonable path with manageable debt and respectable starting salaries. Just recognize you're likely trading some earning potential for a smaller, more accessible program—and given the limited data, ask the school directly about job placement patterns and whether recent grads stay in the Midwest tech market.