Computer and Information Sciences at Bellevue University

Bellevue University's computer science program sits in an interesting middle ground—below-average earnings for Nebraska, but with debt levels that are actually better managed than most. At $60,188 starting and $68,506 after four years, graduates earn about $2,000 less than the state median and lag behind University of Nebraska-Lincoln by a significant margin. Among the nine Nebraska schools offering this program, Bellevue ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings.

Where this program distinguishes itself is on the cost side. The $29,513 median debt is reasonable for a tech degree and falls in the 20th percentile nationally—meaning 80% of similar programs leave students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable position that allows for aggressive loan paydown. The 14% earnings growth trajectory also suggests graduates build solid career momentum after their initial placement.

For a family evaluating this program, the calculation comes down to expectations. If your child is aiming for the highest-paying tech positions in Nebraska, schools like UNL offer a clearer path to those outcomes. But if you're prioritizing a solid computer science credential with controlled debt and graduates who consistently find work, Bellevue delivers on that more modest promise. The gap between Bellevue and state-leading programs is real but not insurmountable for a motivated graduate willing to prove themselves in the job market.