Analysis
Computer science graduates nationally earn a median of $70,950 in their first year—exactly where Concordia-Nebraska's program appears positioned based on peer institutions. With estimated debt around $25,000, this creates a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow graduates to service loans while building their careers. What's worth noting is how this stacks up against Nebraska's competitive landscape: the University of Nebraska at Omaha reports nearly $74,000 for its graduates, while Creighton's CS program shows surprisingly lower first-year earnings at $51,625.
The challenge is that we're working with estimates here, not actual outcomes specific to Concordia's program. The earnings figure comes from national CS bachelor's programs, while debt is estimated from similar private institutions. The actual picture could differ—smaller programs sometimes struggle to place students in the highest-paying tech hubs, or they might excel through personalized attention and strong alumni networks. Nebraska's overall CS median sits lower at $62,798, suggesting geographic constraints could limit early earnings compared to coastal markets.
For your child, the question becomes whether Concordia's smaller, faith-integrated environment justifies potential uncertainty around actual outcomes. The fundamentals look sound if the estimates hold, but given the 90% admission rate and modest test scores, you'll want evidence of strong industry connections and placement support before committing.
Where Concordia University-Nebraska Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,330 | $70,950* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $8,370 | $73,971* | $95,889 | $21,595* | 0.29 | |
| $47,000 | $51,625* | — | $21,875* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Concordia University-Nebraska, approximately 11% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 345 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.