Computer Science at Bradley University

Bradley's Computer Science program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Illinois, hovering around the 40th percentile. First-year graduates earn $66,457, notably less than Illinois' median of $71,355 and about $4,500 below the national average. While the program trails Illinois powerhouses like UIUC ($124,530) by a wide margin, the comparison isn't entirely fair given Bradley's more accessible admission profile (77% acceptance rate).

The bright spot here is debt: at $27,000, it's well below both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. That means graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary—far better than many computer science programs. Earnings growth is solid too, climbing 23% to nearly $82,000 by year four, suggesting graduates gain traction in the job market even if they don't start at tech giant salaries.

For families seeking an affordable path into tech without the pressure of elite school admissions, Bradley offers a workable option. The modest debt load provides breathing room early in graduates' careers. However, if your child can gain admission to Illinois' top-tier programs, the significant earnings premium—often $40,000+ more per year—would likely justify higher initial costs. Bradley serves students well who need a less competitive entry point into computer science, but it won't deliver the lucrative outcomes of the state's leading programs.