Computer and Information Sciences at Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University's computer science program posts numbers that should concern any parent weighing tech degree options. Starting salaries of $42,284 land in the bottom 5% nationally for computer science programs—a field where strong employment prospects typically justify the degree investment. Even within Illinois, where this program ranks at the 25th percentile, students earn roughly $15,000 less than the state median right out of college. That gap is stark when you consider nearby Illinois State graduates start at $65,127 and UIUC computer science majors command $113,503.

The 28% earnings growth to $54,266 by year four helps somewhat, but graduates still trail their Illinois peers significantly. With $26,000 in debt (close to the national median), the financial picture is manageable but not compelling—you're taking on typical debt for below-average outcomes in a high-paying field. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty; these numbers might not reflect the typical student experience.

For a tech-focused student, Illinois offers substantially better options at similar or lower costs. If Eastern Illinois is the choice for other reasons—location, campus culture, financial aid package—students should plan to supplement the degree with internships and self-directed learning to compete with peers from stronger programs. In a field where starting salary matters considerably for long-term wealth building, this represents a significant disadvantage.