Computer and Information Sciences at Creighton University

Creighton's computer science program appears to follow a trajectory that separates it from most bachelor's programs in the field. While similar programs in Nebraska suggest first-year earnings around $62,000—roughly in line with the national median—graduates here report earning $80,356 by year four. That 29% jump suggests either strong career progression or delayed entry into higher-paying positions, though without more granular data points, it's difficult to know which dynamic is at work.

The estimated $25,860 in debt translates to a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio based on those initial salary figures. For context, that's slightly above the national median debt of $25,000 for CS programs and below Nebraska's typical $27,000. The real question is whether Creighton's private school premium delivers advantages that justify even modest additional borrowing compared to University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where graduates earn $78,000 right out of the gate—potentially $16,000 more than what peer programs in Nebraska suggest for Creighton's recent grads.

The fourth-year earnings data is the strongest signal here, but it leaves parents guessing about what happens between graduation and that point. If your child can secure competitive job offers immediately, the debt load won't be a barrier. If they need time to build toward that $80,000 mark, the early years could feel tighter financially than at programs with stronger starting salaries.