Computer Science at Ball State University

A computer science bachelor's at Ball State shows promising fundamentals when compared to peer programs across Indiana. Based on similar programs in the state, graduates can expect to earn around $68,485 in their first year—right at the state median—while carrying an estimated $24,375 in debt. That 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly four months of salary to cover the full debt burden, which is manageable by most standards and close to the national benchmark for CS programs.

The challenge is context. Indiana's CS landscape spans an enormous range, from Rose-Hulman's graduates earning over $100,000 to mid-tier programs in the $70,000s. Ball State's estimated position at the state median suggests solid but not exceptional outcomes. These figures come from comparable programs rather than Ball State's actual graduate data, so there's inherent uncertainty. However, the estimates align with what you'd expect from a mid-selectivity state university with a 72% admission rate and average SAT of 1172.

For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, the debt picture matters more than the earnings gap. If Ball State costs significantly less than Purdue or IU-Bloomington (which produce $94,000 and $78,000 respectively), the moderate first-year salary becomes more defensible. But if net costs are comparable, those alternatives deliver substantially better early returns in a field where starting salary momentum matters.