Computer Science at Benedictine University

Benedictine's computer science program produces graduates earning $62,235 one year out—about $9,000 below the Illinois median and nearly $13,000 under the national average. Among Illinois CS programs, this lands at the 40th percentile, meaning six in ten Illinois schools produce higher-earning graduates. The gap becomes stark when you consider that nearby competitors like Illinois Institute of Technology ($86,005) and Wheaton College ($81,470) deliver substantially higher returns.

The debt load of $24,000 is reasonable and close to national norms, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. That's a positive, and for students prioritizing lower debt over maximum earnings, there's value here. The 77% admission rate also signals accessibility that top-ranked programs don't offer.

However, the limited sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these figures could shift significantly year to year. This isn't necessarily a red flag about quality, but it does suggest the program is small, which could mean fewer course offerings, networking opportunities, or industry connections than larger CS departments provide. For families prioritizing strong earning potential in computer science, Illinois offers stronger options at similar or even lower debt levels. This program might work for students seeking a smaller, more personal environment who understand they're trading some earning power for that experience.