Computer Science at Baker University

The estimated $25,000 debt load for this computer science program sits slightly above the national median for CS degrees, though comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $71,000—a healthy 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio that mirrors what you'd expect from a solid tech degree. What's striking is how this compares to Kansas: peer CS programs in the state typically produce median earnings of just $59,000, meaning Baker's pathway to national-level compensation could represent a significant advantage if those estimates hold true for this small program.

The catch is in the numbers themselves. Both earnings and debt figures here are extrapolated from similar programs because Baker's CS cohort is too small to report publicly. That's not necessarily a red flag—plenty of good small programs face this statistical reality—but it does mean you're betting on whether Baker can deliver outcomes that match much larger programs elsewhere. Given the school's 92% admission rate and modest test scores, there's genuine uncertainty about whether graduates will actually command those national-level salaries, especially compared to Kansas flagships like Wichita State where reported outcomes hover around $65,000.

If your child thrives in smaller settings and you're confident in their ability to compete for quality tech jobs beyond Kansas borders, this could work. But know that you're accepting more risk than at programs with proven track records—the debt might be manageable if earnings materialize, but there's no safety net of actual data here.