Computer and Information Sciences at Eureka College

Computer science programs in Illinois span an enormous range—from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's exceptional $113,500 first-year earnings down to far more modest outcomes. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in the state, Eureka's graduates likely earn around $57,000 initially with roughly $24,500 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 sits in reasonable territory, but the earnings figure itself tells a more complicated story. It matches the Illinois state median but falls $4,300 short of the national benchmark for computer science degrees, suggesting this program may not carry the same technical rigor or employer recognition as larger universities.

The practical concern isn't the debt burden—it's competitive. Peer programs at Illinois State and Western Illinois, both public universities with similar accessibility (Illinois State admits 86% of applicants), produce graduates earning $8,000-$9,000 more annually. That gap compounds quickly over a career. For a field where specific technical skills and recruiting pipelines matter tremendously, Eureka's small size may limit both coursework depth and employer connections that drive stronger outcomes at established programs.

Your child could handle this debt on these estimated earnings, but computer science graduates should realistically expect stronger earning potential. Before committing, determine whether Eureka's actual curriculum matches what employers seek and whether graduates secure positions at tech companies or remain in general business roles—that distinction explains much of the earnings variation in this field.