Computer Science at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga's Computer Science program delivers strong earnings growth—graduates see their median salary jump from $76,636 to $96,165 in just four years, a 26% increase that signals solid career momentum. The debt load of $27,000 is relatively modest, creating a comfortable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow for financial flexibility early in a graduate's career.

The complication is Washington State's competitive tech landscape. While Gonzaga ranks in the 64th percentile nationally for CS earnings, it falls to the 40th percentile within Washington, where programs like UW-Seattle command nearly $130,000 starting salaries. For families considering in-state alternatives, schools like Washington State University offer similar first-year earnings ($79,519) at potentially lower cost. The gap isn't insurmountable—Gonzaga grads are earning solidly above the national CS median—but Washington residents should weigh whether Gonzaga's smaller program and private school environment justify the premium over public options.

The deciding factor may be fit rather than pure ROI. Gonzaga's 76% admission rate and moderate class sizes could provide more accessible entry into CS for students who might struggle to gain admission to UW's highly selective programs. The debt is manageable enough that choosing Gonzaga won't create financial hardship, even if it doesn't maximize earning potential within the state.