Computer Science at Calvin University

Calvin University's computer science graduates earn above both national and Michigan state medians right out of the gate, with first-year earnings of $73,145 placing them in the 60th percentile among Michigan CS programs—well above the state median of $67,616. More importantly, they carry just $19,000 in debt, roughly $8,500 less than the typical Michigan CS graduate and about $4,400 below the national median. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just three months of gross income, one of the better financial profiles you'll find for this program.

The earnings trajectory looks solid too, climbing to nearly $85,000 by year four—a 16% increase that keeps Calvin graduates competitive with peers from larger state schools like Central Michigan. While they trail Kettering's graduates by about $10,000, that gap matters less when you consider Kettering students typically carry significantly more debt. Calvin's combination of moderate earnings and low debt creates breathing room for graduates to save, invest, or pursue opportunities without being crushed by loan payments.

The caveat: this data comes from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. But the fundamentals—reasonable debt and above-average earnings in both state and national contexts—suggest Calvin delivers solid value for families seeking a CS degree without the financial stress that often comes with it.