Computer Science at Brigham Young University-Idaho

BYU-Idaho's computer science program delivers an exceptional value proposition that should make any parent's shortlist. With just $7,821 in median debt—less than a third of the national average—graduates start at $77,000 and quickly climb to $104,000 by year four. That 35% earnings growth trajectory is exactly what you want to see in a tech career, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 means your graduate could realistically pay off their loans in a matter of months.

While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Idaho's five computer science programs, the debt advantage more than compensates for slightly lower initial earnings compared to Boise State. The real story here is financial freedom: Idaho State graduates earn $15,000 less annually while carrying three times the debt load. BYU-Idaho strikes the sweet spot of solid tech-industry access (earnings still beat the national median by nearly $7,000) with minimal financial burden.

For parents worried about return on investment, this program makes the math simple. The combination of low debt and strong earnings growth means your child enters the workforce without the financial anchor that burdens so many graduates. That's a competitive advantage worth far more than a few thousand dollars in year-one salary differences.