Computer Science at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve earns its selective status with Computer Science outcomes that substantially outpace both national and Ohio standards. With first-year earnings of $95,688—about $22,000 above Ohio's median and $25,000 above the national benchmark—graduates command premium salaries that justify the program's rigor. Among Ohio's 38 computer science programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, beating well-regarded options like Dayton and Cedarville by roughly $20,000 annually.

The financial equation works clearly in students' favor. At $25,391 in median debt, graduates owe just over a quarter of their starting salary, one of the better debt ratios you'll find in tech education. Earnings grow steadily to $104,000 by year four, suggesting graduates secure roles with advancement potential rather than hitting an early ceiling. For context, national computer science medians hover around $71,000—Case Western graduates start 35% higher.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent outcomes across cohorts. For a family evaluating Cleveland-area options or considering whether a selective private university delivers on its premium positioning, Case Western's computer science program shows concrete return on investment. Your child would start their career with meaningfully higher earning power and manageable debt—a combination that makes loan payments straightforward while building financial stability.