Computer and Information Sciences at Lewis University

Illinois computer science programs show extraordinary variation—from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's impressive $113,503 first-year outcomes down to the state median of $57,032. For Lewis University's Computer and Information Sciences program, both earnings and debt figures are estimated from comparable programs in Illinois, placing it near the middle of the state pack. The estimated $57,032 first-year salary tracks with the IL median, though it lags the national benchmark by about $4,300 and falls well behind the state's top performers.

The estimated 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable financial positioning, with debt around $24,500—roughly the state median for similar institutions. This means graduates could theoretically pay off loans within six months of gross earnings, assuming that first-year salary estimate holds. That's a workable starting point for a tech career, though it's worth noting that some Illinois programs produce substantially stronger immediate returns.

The practical question: are you comfortable with estimates based on peer programs rather than Lewis's actual outcomes? The school admits nearly three-quarters of applicants and serves a meaningful portion of Pell-eligible students, which may indicate a different student profile than programs with reported data. If your child has admission offers with actual outcome data—particularly from schools in that $62,000-$68,000 range—those provide more certainty about post-graduation prospects.