Computer and Information Sciences at Franklin University

Franklin University's computer science program punches well above its weight within Ohio, landing in the 80th percentile among the state's 39 programs with a first-year median of $63,310—nearly $14,000 above the state median. This matters for families considering in-state options: while it doesn't match flagship Ohio State's outcomes, it outperforms many better-known universities and costs substantially less to attend. The debt load of $39,352 is higher than the state median but still manageable given the earnings trajectory, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 that most graduates can realistically handle.

The earnings progression tells a positive story, with graduates seeing 10% growth to nearly $70,000 by year four. This steady upward trend suggests employers value the skills graduates bring and that career advancement is happening on schedule. With a third of students receiving Pell grants, Franklin appears to be delivering solid economic mobility for working-class families who might not have access to Ohio State or other flagship options.

For an Ohio family, this is a practical choice that delivers above-average results without requiring the debt loads typical of more expensive programs. The moderate sample size should give you confidence the numbers are real, and the combination of reasonable debt with strong in-state earnings makes this a sensible investment in a high-demand field.