Location: Aurora, IL•In-State Tuition: $28,220•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1072
Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,605
12th percentile
25th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$25,625
10% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.50 ManageableSample: 31 graduates

Analysis

Aurora University's computer science program produces graduates earning $51,605 in their first year—roughly $20,000 below the Illinois median and nearly $20,000 below the national benchmark. Among Illinois's 41 computer science programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs deliver stronger initial earnings. The debt load of $25,625 matches the state median, resulting in a reasonable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, but the lower earnings base means graduates will take longer to pay it off than peers elsewhere.

The concerning element here isn't the debt—it's that computer science typically commands premium salaries even at less selective institutions, yet Aurora graduates are earning closer to what many non-technical majors make. With major state employers clustered around Chicago often recruiting from higher-ranked programs like UIUC ($124,530) or IIT ($86,005), Aurora students may face steeper competition for top-tier positions. The university's 85% admission rate and accessible mission serve an important purpose, particularly for the 43% of students receiving Pell grants, but the earnings gap suggests the program may not provide the same return on investment available at peer institutions.

For families treating this as a straightforward financial decision, Illinois offers stronger alternatives at similar or even lower costs. If Aurora is under consideration for other compelling reasons—location, support services, or fit—the moderate debt makes it manageable, but expect entry-level earnings that lag the broader computer science market.

Where Aurora University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

Aurora UniversityOther computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Aurora University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Aurora University earns $52k — 12th percentile among computer science bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (41 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Aurora UniversityAurora$28,220$51,605—$25,6250.50
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$124,530$143,775$20,5000.16
University of ChicagoChicago$66,939$117,578$175,145——
Northwestern UniversityEvanston$65,997$99,981$130,650$14,6000.15
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago$51,763$86,005$103,119$23,2500.27
Wheaton CollegeWheaton$43,930$81,470———
National Median—$70,950—$23,3740.33

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Aurora University, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.