Computer and Information Sciences at Indiana University-Bloomington
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $62,350 | $79,394 | $19,500 | 0.31 |
| University of Notre Dame | $96,517 | $118,767 | $19,000 | 0.20 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $72,132 | $84,996 | $19,985 | 0.28 |
| Purdue University Global | $61,977 | $64,526 | $54,293 | 0.88 |
| Purdue University Northwest | $61,699 | — | $18,700 | 0.30 |
| Ball State University | $59,249 | $69,101 | $23,512 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.