Computer and Information Sciences at Berea College

Berea College's computer science graduates start their careers at $35,185—roughly half the national median and well below every other Kentucky program with reported data. While debt appears manageable at an estimated $25,860 (based on similar institutions nationally), that modest figure can't offset the fundamental earnings problem. Even accounting for Berea's unique mission serving low-income students—81% receive Pell grants—these outcomes rank in the bottom 10% of computer science programs both statewide and nationally.

The 87% earnings jump to $65,907 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing, potentially reaching competitive mid-career salaries. But those first years matter enormously for establishing financial stability and paying down debt. When peer programs in Kentucky consistently produce first-year earnings of $50,000 to $71,000, the $35,000 starting point represents a significant opportunity cost—roughly $15,000 to $36,000 less annually during those critical early years.

For a family weighing options, this creates a difficult calculation. If your child has admission offers from University of Kentucky or University of Louisville, those programs demonstrate substantially stronger employment outcomes. Berea's work-study model and no-tuition promise may alter the financial equation considerably, but with debt estimates derived from peer institutions rather than actual Berea outcomes, verify the true cost of attendance before assuming this represents a lower-risk path into tech careers.