Analysis
A computer science degree in Indiana typically leads to first-year earnings around $68,500, based on the state's 13 reporting programs—a figure that puts graduates in reasonable financial position given the estimated $24,375 debt load. That 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe roughly four months of their first year's salary, which is manageable compared to many undergraduate programs. The challenge here is context: while we can estimate what IU-Kokomo graduates might earn based on peer programs statewide, the actual outcomes remain unclear due to small graduating classes.
The gap between IU-Kokomo and Indiana's powerhouse tech programs is worth noting. Rose-Hulman and Purdue graduates command nearly $95,000 to $100,000 in first-year earnings—roughly 40% more than what similar regional programs produce. Even IU-Bloomington's computer science graduates start around $78,000. That said, the debt picture at those selective programs may differ significantly, and not every student can access or thrive in those highly competitive environments.
For a student who needs a local option or doesn't have the profile for Indiana's top-tier programs, the estimated outcomes here suggest a viable path—computer science remains one of the more reliable undergraduate majors for employment. Just recognize you're making this decision with incomplete information about this specific program's track record. If your child has the credentials to compete for admission elsewhere in Indiana's computer science landscape, exploring those options makes sense given the earnings variation across programs.
Where Indiana University-Kokomo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,179 | $68,485* | — | $24,375* | — | |
| $56,674 | $100,294* | $157,625 | $24,500* | 0.24 | |
| $9,992 | $94,786* | $116,601 | $19,375* | 0.20 | |
| $11,790 | $77,909* | $91,304 | $20,417* | 0.26 | |
| $39,104 | $77,081* | $86,504 | —* | — | |
| $8,179 | $72,634* | $97,561 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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-Kokomo, approximately 35% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.