Computer Science at Central State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests manageable financial footing for this program, though you're working with estimates derived from Ohio computer science programs rather than Central State's specific outcomes. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $74,000 would put graduates right at Ohio's median for computer science bachelor's degrees—a solid starting point in a field known for strong early career prospects.

The estimated $21,500 in debt sits below both state and national medians for this major, which matters considerably when you're earning in the mid-70s rather than the mid-90s that top Ohio programs report. Computer science degrees generally offer strong returns regardless of where you earn them, but the gap between Central State's estimated outcomes and schools like Case Western ($96,000) or even nearby Cedarville ($77,000) is worth understanding. Some of that difference may reflect where graduates choose to work geographically or which sectors they enter initially.

The real question is whether Central State provides the specific opportunities your student needs—internship pipelines, career services, or employer connections—to reach or exceed these state-typical outcomes. With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, this is clearly a school serving students who need affordable pathways into tech careers. The estimated debt level is reasonable, but you'll want concrete data on job placement and where recent graduates actually land to confirm these peer-based projections hold true here.