Analysis
Similar computer science programs in Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $68,485 against estimated debt of $26,500βa workable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio that aligns with what you'd typically see at smaller Indiana colleges. The challenge is that we're working with peer program estimates here because Goshen's CS graduate cohorts are too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes.
The estimated earnings lag behind Indiana's flagship programs by $25,000 to $30,000, which matters if your child is weighing offers from Purdue or IU. However, they track closely with what other moderately-selective Indiana schools produce, and the debt estimate is only slightly above the state median. For a liberal arts college with an 89% admission rate, these projections suggest the program gets students to competitive entry-level positions without burying them in debt.
The real question is whether you're comfortable making a four-year investment based on comparable programs rather than Goshen's specific track record. If your child values the school's small community and teaching approach, the estimated numbers don't throw up red flags. But if maximizing tech sector earnings is the priority, Indiana offers CS programs with proven outcomes $10,000 to $30,000 higherβworth serious consideration if those schools are accessible options.
Where Goshen College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,760 | $68,485* | β | $26,500* | β | |
| $56,674 | $100,294* | $157,625 | $24,500* | 0.24 | |
| $9,992 | $94,786* | $116,601 | $19,375* | 0.20 | |
| $11,790 | $77,909* | $91,304 | $20,417* | 0.26 | |
| $39,104 | $77,081* | $86,504 | β* | β | |
| $8,179 | $72,634* | $97,561 | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $70,950* | β | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Goshen College, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.