Computer Science at Franklin University

Franklin University's computer science graduates are earning solidly above both national and state medians—$76,264 in year one versus $70,950 nationally and $73,932 statewide—but they're carrying twice the typical debt load to get there. That $47,834 median debt is more than double what computer science graduates at other Ohio schools typically owe, putting this program in the 95th percentile nationally for borrowing. While earnings growth is healthy at 27% over four years, reaching $97,188, graduates here start their careers with significantly more financial weight than their peers at comparable Ohio institutions.

The debt burden is the real differentiator. At a 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, Franklin graduates can theoretically manage repayment, but they're doing so with roughly $24,000 more in loans than the typical Ohio CS graduate. For context, nearby programs like Cedarville produce nearly identical starting salaries with far less debt exposure. The positive spin: Franklin serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (33%) who might not otherwise access a CS degree, and the earnings do put graduates in a position to handle the loans.

Keep in mind the sample size here is small—under 30 graduates—so individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest. If your child can access similar programs with lower debt loads, that's worth serious consideration. If Franklin offers unique flexibility or access that makes the degree possible in the first place, the strong earnings trajectory helps justify the higher borrowing.