Computer Science at Carroll University

Computer science programs across Wisconsin show a striking range, with top earners breaking $70,000 while others lag in the low $50,000s. Carroll's estimated first-year earnings of $59,093 place it in the middle of this pack—roughly $11,000 below what graduates from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Saint Norbert College typically earn, but ahead of some state universities. The estimated $25,000 in debt is actually lower than Wisconsin's median for the field, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42.

The challenge here is the gap between these state-level estimates and the national computer science median of $70,950. Wisconsin's tech job market may not match the compensation seen in coastal hubs, which matters for a field where remote opportunities and relocation are common. If your child stays in Wisconsin, these earnings might align with local expectations. But if they're aiming for higher-paying markets—or even just comparing offers from UW-Milwaukee down the street—that $15,000 earnings difference compounds quickly over a career.

Given the small graduate sample that required these estimates, press Carroll's career services for placement specifics: which companies hire their CS grads, what roles they land, and whether alumni successfully compete for positions outside Wisconsin. The debt load is reasonable, but you need confidence the program opens doors beyond the median outcome.