Computer and Information Sciences at Indiana University-Kokomo

Indiana University-Kokomo's computer science graduates earn $43,500 in their first year—substantially below what other Indiana programs deliver. While estimated debt around $23,196 is manageable on its own, the earnings gap is striking: typical CS programs in Indiana produce median earnings of $61,699, meaning graduates here start nearly $18,000 behind their peers. Even nationally, where median first-year earnings hit $61,322, this program lands in just the 5th percentile. That's not a reflection of regional market differences—nearby Purdue Northwest, serving a similar regional population, reports $61,699 for its CS grads.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 looks reasonable by most standards, but context matters. When other Indiana programs combine similar or lower debt with 40% higher earnings, the value proposition shifts. A CS degree should open doors to tech roles that pay well even at entry level, yet these outcomes suggest graduates may be competing for positions that don't require their credential or landing in lower-paying IT support roles rather than development or engineering positions.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether proximity to Kokomo justifies the earnings trade-off. If your student can commute to Purdue's main campus in West Lafayette or IU-Bloomington, those programs deliver dramatically better outcomes. If not, understand that this degree may require extra effort—building a stronger portfolio, pursuing internships, or relocating—to reach the earnings typical CS graduates achieve right out of school.