Median Earnings (1yr)
$62,350
53rd percentile (60th in IN)
Median Debt
$19,500
22% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31
Manageable
Sample Size
358
Adequate data

Analysis

Indiana University-Bloomington's computer science program delivers strong financial returns that improve markedly over time. While first-year earnings of $62,350 sit near national and state medians, graduates see robust 27% growth by year four, reaching $79,394—well above what most programs achieve. Among Indiana's 25 computer science programs, IU-Bloomington ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, trailing elite options like Notre Dame and Purdue's main campus but competitive with other state universities.

The debt picture strongly favors students, with typical borrowing of just $19,500—about $5,500 less than both national and state medians for this field. This creates an excellent debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off loans quickly even on starting salaries. The low debt burden, combined with steady earnings growth, positions graduates well financially within a few years of graduation.

For parents weighing this investment, IU-Bloomington offers a compelling middle ground: solid earnings potential without the debt load seen at many peer institutions. The 80% admission rate makes it accessible, while the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these outcomes are reliable rather than outliers.

Where Indiana University-Bloomington Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Indiana University-BloomingtonOther computer and information sciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Indiana University-Bloomington graduates compare to all programs nationally

Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn $62k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (25 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-Bloomington$62,350$79,394$19,5000.31
University of Notre Dame$96,517$118,767$19,0000.20
Purdue University-Main Campus$72,132$84,996$19,9850.28
Purdue University Global$61,977$64,526$54,2930.88
Purdue University Northwest$61,699$18,7000.30
Ball State University$59,249$69,101$23,5120.40
National Median$61,322$25,0000.41

Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame
$62,693$96,517$19,000
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette
$9,992$72,132$19,985
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette
$10,110$61,977$54,293
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond
$8,419$61,699$18,700
Ball State University
Muncie
$10,758$59,249$23,512

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 Indiana University-Bloomington, approximately 17% 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 358 graduates with reported earnings and 348 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.