Analysis
The 47% earnings jump from year one to year four suggests Herzing Minneapolis graduates are gaining valuable technical skills that translate into better-paying positions over time. Starting at roughly $50,000, they reach $74,000 by year four—well above the national median for computer programming degrees. Within Minnesota's limited field of four programming programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning graduates typically out-earn peers at other in-state options.
The debt picture looks manageable. At $31,050, graduates owe less than typical borrowers in this field nationally (25th percentile), and with a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, most will carry less than eight months of their starting salary in loans. For a university serving many Pell grant recipients (52%), these are encouraging numbers that suggest accessible pathways into tech careers.
The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary considerably. That said, the trajectory here—low debt, median starting pay, strong growth potential—indicates the program delivers practical skills without excessive borrowing. Parents should verify current curriculum focuses on in-demand languages and frameworks, but the earnings pattern suggests employers value what students are learning.
Where Herzing University-Minneapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Herzing University-Minneapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University-Minneapolis | $50,242 | $74,006 | +47% |
| DigiPen Institute of Technology | $102,580 | $122,323 | +19% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $80,830 | $94,556 | +17% |
| New England Institute of Technology | $72,595 | $85,769 | +18% |
| DePaul University | $72,234 | $77,282 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Programming bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,420 | $50,242 | $74,006 | $31,050 | 0.62 | |
| $37,400 | $102,580 | $122,323 | $27,000 | 0.26 | |
| $57,016 | $83,875 | — | $27,000 | 0.32 | |
| $14,944 | $80,830 | $94,556 | $19,723 | 0.24 | |
| $44,536 | $79,819 | — | $19,500 | 0.24 | |
| $9,552 | $74,151 | $67,954 | $49,211 | 0.66 | |
| National Median | — | $50,242 | — | $31,050 | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Herzing University-Minneapolis, approximately 52% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.