Computer and Information Sciences at Illinois State University

Illinois State University's computer science program punches above its weight, producing graduates who out-earn most of their Illinois peers despite the school's high admission rate and modest test scores. With starting salaries of $65,127, graduates here earn more than the typical Illinois CS grad ($57,032) and roughly match the national median. At the 60th percentile statewide, this program sits comfortably in the upper half—a solid outcome from a school that admits nearly nine out of ten applicants.

The debt picture deserves attention: at $22,250, it's lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means a graduate could theoretically pay off their loans with about four months of gross income. The 17% earnings bump by year four suggests decent career progression, though graduates still earn far less than University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni, who command six-figure starting salaries.

For an in-state student choosing between Illinois universities, this represents practical value—better outcomes than DePaul or Illinois Tech at likely lower tuition. Just understand you're getting solid middle-tier results, not the elite earnings that Illinois' flagship delivers. For a student who might struggle with more selective admissions, this program offers a legitimate path into tech careers without crushing debt.