Computer and Information Sciences at Defiance College

Computer science graduates from Ohio programs typically earn around $50,000 in their first year—exactly what comparable programs to Defiance College suggest for this degree. That figure sits $11,000 below the national median for computer science bachelor's degrees, though it aligns perfectly with Ohio's state median. The estimated $25,860 in debt produces a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary.

The challenge here is competitive positioning. Ohio State computer science graduates start at $82,000, and even mid-tier state programs like Wright State launch graduates near $69,000. That's a $20,000-$30,000 annual earnings gap that compounds significantly over a career. For a field where employers increasingly hire based on technical skills and portfolio work rather than institutional prestige, this gap suggests either geographic constraints or preparation differences that matter in the job market.

For parents, the key question is whether Defiance's smaller class sizes and personalized attention translate into outcomes that justify accepting lower typical earnings. The debt load is reasonable, but in a field where self-taught developers and coding bootcamp graduates compete for the same entry-level positions, you'll want to verify that this program offers robust internship pipelines and current technical training. The nearly 50% Pell grant rate indicates the school serves students who may need financial aid, making that earnings gap particularly consequential.