Computer and Information Sciences at Fontbonne University

Comparable Computer Science programs in Missouri suggest first-year earnings around $63,000—essentially matching the national median for this field. For a small private institution like Fontbonne, where nearly half the students receive Pell grants, that's a reassuring baseline. The estimated $31,000 in debt represents more than what peer programs in Missouri typically produce ($25,000), though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 still falls within manageable territory for a technical degree.

The reality check comes from looking at Missouri's stronger Computer Science programs: Missouri S&T graduates earn $77,000 their first year, while Mizzou and Truman State both exceed $72,000. That's a $10,000-15,000 gap compared to what similar programs suggest for Fontbonne—a meaningful difference when you're servicing student loans. The higher debt combined with lower earnings creates a tighter financial margin, even if the ratio itself looks acceptable on paper.

For parents considering Fontbonne, the key question is whether the smaller school environment and accessibility (95% admission rate) justify the trade-off in earnings potential. If your child needs a supportive setting or wouldn't gain admission to Missouri's more competitive tech programs, these estimated outcomes suggest Computer Science here can still lead to a viable career. But if they have options at the state's flagship or technical institutions, those programs demonstrate measurably stronger financial returns.