Computer and Information Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University's computer science program shows a troubling starting salary of just $39,867—landing in the 5th percentile nationally and well below Kentucky's state median of $50,498. Even within Kentucky, where tech salaries lag the national market, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile. To put that in perspective, University of Kentucky grads start at $71,293, nearly double what EKU graduates earn initially. That's a significant gap for students who will likely compete for the same Kentucky jobs.

The dramatic 80% earnings growth to $71,866 by year four partially redeems the program, eventually reaching competitive levels. But that first-year figure matters enormously—it affects whether graduates can make loan payments, build savings, or even stay in tech rather than pivoting to other fields. With $25,145 in debt (typical for the field), that 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one is manageable but not comfortable.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers potentially volatile. A few students landing in lower-paying IT support roles or staying local in Kentucky's smaller tech market could skew the entire picture downward. If your child is considering EKU, the decision should hinge on whether they have specific reasons to attend—like scholarship money that dramatically reduces debt, or strong family ties to the area. Otherwise, the state's flagship programs offer clearer pathways to competitive tech salaries from day one.