Computer and Information Sciences at Graceland University-Lamoni

A tech degree with an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 sits in reasonable territory, though that's only part of the story for families evaluating this small Iowa liberal arts school. Based on three comparable computer science programs in the state, first-year earnings hover around $60,400—essentially matching Iowa's median and closely aligned with national benchmarks. The estimated $25,860 in debt falls slightly above state and national medians but remains manageable given tech sector salaries, suggesting graduates could realistically tackle repayment within their first few years of employment.

The challenge lies in what we don't know. Graceland's actual graduate outcomes are suppressed due to small cohort sizes, which could mean recent classes have simply been tiny—or could signal retention issues worth investigating. For context, the school serves a predominantly middle- and lower-income student body (45% receive Pell grants), yet accepts most applicants. Families should directly ask the department about recent graduate placement rates, whether students secure internships at regional employers, and how class sizes affect hands-on learning opportunities in a field where practical experience drives hiring.

If Graceland offers strong mentorship, affordable net cost after aid, and connections to Iowa's tech employers in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, the estimated numbers suggest viable outcomes. But confirm those supports exist before committing—peer programs produce these results with established industry pipelines that a small department may or may not replicate.