Median Earnings (1yr)
$76,615
64th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$27,000
16% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

Analysis

Cedarville's Computer Science program starts graduates at $76,615—above both the national median ($70,950) and Ohio's median ($73,932)—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly in either direction. The $27,000 median debt sits slightly above state and national benchmarks, though the 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable. What's notable is the 14% earnings growth to $87,615 by year four, suggesting graduates gain traction in the job market rather than stalling out early.

Within Ohio's competitive CS landscape, this program lands in the 60th percentile—solidly middle of the pack but well behind Case Western's $95,688 and closer to mid-tier public options. The admission rate of 63% and average SAT of 1246 indicate selectivity without extreme competition, though only 15% of students receive Pell grants, pointing to a more affluent student body.

The limited sample makes it hard to declare this a clear win or loss. If your child fits Cedarville's distinctly Christian campus culture and values that environment, the outcomes justify the investment—graduates land decent jobs and aren't drowning in debt. But if the religious mission isn't a draw, similar or better results come from larger Ohio programs with more predictable data. This works as a faith-focused choice with acceptable career outcomes, not as a pure CS career launchpad.

Where Cedarville University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

Cedarville UniversityOther computer science programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Cedarville University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Cedarville University graduates earn $77k, placing them in the 64th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (38 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cedarville University$76,615$87,615$27,0000.35
Case Western Reserve University$95,688$103,989$25,3910.27
Franklin University$76,264$97,188$47,8340.63
University of Dayton$74,052—$25,0000.34
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$73,932$81,470$21,5000.29
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$73,932$81,470$21,5000.29
National Median$70,950—$23,3740.33

Other Computer Science Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland
$64,671$95,688$25,391
Franklin University
Columbus
$9,577$76,264$47,834
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$74,052$25,000
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
Saint Clairsville
$6,178$73,932$21,500
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus
Chillicothe
$6,178$73,932$21,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cedarville University, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.