Computer Science at Lewis University

Lewis University's Computer Science graduates start at $60,726—about $10,000 below both national and Illinois medians—but climb to $79,269 by year four. That 31% earnings growth is impressive and closes much of the initial gap, suggesting the program produces graduates who develop valuable skills even if they don't immediately land top-tier positions. The $23,250 debt load is modest, resulting in a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that leaves plenty of room for loan payments and living expenses.

The challenge is context. Illinois is dense with computing talent, and Lewis ranks at the 40th percentile among state programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a market where Illinois tech students earn a median of $71,355 right out of school. You're not competing with Northwestern or U of I grads for the same roles, but you're also trailing comparable state options by about $10,000 in starting salary. That gap matters in Chicago's expensive metro area, where early career earnings directly impact housing choices and financial independence.

For a student who needs the accessibility of a 73% admission rate school and values reasonable debt, Lewis delivers a functional computer science education with encouraging upward trajectory. Just understand you're paying a $10,000 annual opportunity cost in those crucial early years compared to stronger state alternatives—and in tech, where compounding salary growth and equity compensation matter enormously, starting position affects long-term wealth accumulation more than in most fields.