Computer and Information Sciences at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green's computer science program starts modestly but shows strong momentum—first-year earnings of $53,257 lag the national median by $8,000, but by year four, graduates reach $83,261, matching the state's elite programs. That 56% earnings growth suggests graduates land better opportunities once they've proven themselves in the field. Within Ohio, this program actually outperforms 60% of comparable programs, sitting well above the state median of $49,837, even if it doesn't quite reach the levels of Ohio State or Cincinnati.

The $33,500 debt load is higher than the national median for computer science programs but typical for Ohio, where the state median hits $31,000. More importantly, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 remains manageable—graduates earn enough in their first year to make payments reasonable, and by year four they're earning 2.5 times their debt balance. Given tech's strong salary trajectory, this debt level shouldn't derail long-term financial prospects.

The main caveat: the small sample size means individual outcomes could vary more than usual. But the four-year earnings data suggests this program delivers where it counts—connecting graduates to career advancement in a field where experience compounds quickly. For Ohio families seeking affordable access to tech careers, this represents solid value despite the slower start.