Computer Science at Bethany Lutheran College

A Bachelor's in Computer Science, based on Bethany Lutheran's small size, appears likely to deliver solid outcomes. The estimated $72,865 first-year salary aligns with Minnesota's median for CS programs and sits just above the national benchmark of $70,950. The estimated $24,130 in debt produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33—meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first year's salary, which is manageable for a technical field with strong employment demand.

What's worth noting is the gap between Bethany's likely outcomes and Minnesota's flagship programs. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports actual earnings around $83,000, while elite liberal arts colleges like Carleton and St. Olaf see graduates earning $88,000 or more. That $10,000-15,000 difference isn't trivial over a career, though it doesn't necessarily reflect program quality—larger schools and urban locations often provide more direct pipelines to major tech employers.

The practical reality: if these estimates hold, Bethany graduates would enter the workforce with moderate debt and competitive starting salaries for the region. Computer Science remains one of the more reliable majors for return on investment. The question for your family is whether a smaller program offers advantages—closer faculty relationships, individualized attention—that offset potentially fewer on-campus recruiting opportunities compared to larger Minnesota schools.