Computer Science at Grinnell College

Grinnell's computer science graduates earn $84,449 in their first year—ahead of Iowa State and substantially above the state median of $70,950. That places this small liberal arts college in the 79th percentile nationally for CS programs, impressive for a school not known primarily as a tech powerhouse. The earnings trajectory is equally strong, climbing to $106,113 by year four, a 26% gain that suggests graduates are landing roles with real advancement potential.

The financial picture is particularly compelling: median debt of just $16,375 represents less than 20% of first-year earnings, far better than the national median debt of $23,374. This is one of the real advantages of attending a well-endowed liberal arts college—Grinnell's strong financial aid keeps debt levels manageable even for students who aren't among the 17% receiving Pell grants. The low 13% admission rate indicates selectivity that likely opens doors with elite tech employers who value the school's rigorous academics.

The only caveat is that within Iowa specifically, Grinnell ranks at the 60th percentile—solid but not dominant—suggesting that students staying in-state might find comparable opportunities at less selective schools. But for families who can navigate the admissions process and want a CS degree paired with a broader liberal arts education, this combination of strong earnings, low debt, and upward trajectory makes Grinnell an excellent choice.