Computer Science at Doane University

Nebraska computer science programs typically produce first-year earnings between $51,000 and $74,000, and peer institutions suggest Doane's program likely lands near the higher end of this range. With estimated earnings around $71,000 nationally—substantially above Nebraska's state median of $63,000—this program appears positioned to compete with larger state universities rather than languish at the bottom of the market.

The estimated debt load of $25,000 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. That's reasonable for a computer science degree, particularly at a small private college where you might expect steeper borrowing. The 90% admission rate and moderate Pell enrollment (28%) suggest Doane serves a broader student population than Nebraska's selective private competitor, Creighton, whose CS graduates actually earn less despite higher selectivity.

The core limitation here is that we're working with estimates rather than verified outcomes for Doane's specific graduates. If your child thrives in smaller classroom settings and values a liberal arts environment, this debt-to-earnings picture suggests the investment could work. But given the data gap, you'd be wise to request job placement specifics directly from Doane—where their CS graduates actually land, not just what similar programs produce.