Analysis
Indiana's Computer Science bachelor's programs show a striking earnings gap, with top programs like Rose-Hulman and Purdue producing graduates who earn $94,000-$100,000 in their first year—substantially more than the $68,485 that similar programs across the state typically generate. Hanover's estimated outcomes align with this state median, placing it in the middle tier rather than among Indiana's tech leaders. The estimated $26,500 debt load is manageable relative to these earnings, yielding a debt-to-income ratio below 0.4, but this figure comes from only three comparable programs at similar institutions statewide.
The challenge here isn't affordability—it's opportunity cost. Computer Science graduates command strong salaries nationally, but where you earn your degree appears to matter significantly in Indiana's tech market. Programs at Rose-Hulman, Purdue, and even IU-Bloomington produce first-year outcomes that are 14-47% higher than the state median. For a field where early career trajectory and employer connections can compound over time, that initial earnings differential represents more than just a few thousand dollars—it's access to different tiers of employers and career paths.
If your student has strong technical aptitude and career ambition in tech, compare Hanover's actual placement outcomes and employer connections against Indiana's top-tier programs. The estimated figures suggest competent but not exceptional results; you'll want concrete evidence that Hanover can compete for the same internships and entry-level positions that drive higher earnings elsewhere.
Where Hanover 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,894 | $68,485* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $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 | —* | — | |
| $8,179 | $72,634* | $97,561 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $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 Hanover College, approximately 26% 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.