Computer and Information Sciences at Bluffton University

In Ohio, computer science programs show dramatic variation in graduate earnings—from mid-$40s to over $80,000 at Ohio State—and comparable programs across the state suggest Bluffton's graduates would land near the lower end of this spectrum. With estimated first-year earnings around $49,800 and projected debt of $25,900, the debt-to-earnings ratio sits at a manageable 0.52, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. However, this earning potential trails the national computer science median of $61,300 by more than $11,000, a gap that compounds over a career.

The challenge isn't the debt load itself—$25,900 is actually below Ohio's typical computer science debt of $31,000—but rather the earning trajectory. When top programs in the state place graduates 40-70% higher on the salary ladder immediately after graduation, your child starts their career at a significant disadvantage in a field where first opportunities often determine long-term trajectory. The 1020 average SAT suggests Bluffton serves students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere, which could justify accepting this trade-off.

Bottom line: If your child has admission offers from larger Ohio public universities with computer science programs, those would likely deliver stronger financial returns. Bluffton might make sense if it's offering substantial merit aid that reduces the debt figure below $20,000, or if your child needs a smaller, supportive environment to succeed academically—but recognize you'd be prioritizing fit over financial outcomes.