Computer Software and Media Applications at Lewis University

A first-year salary estimate of $38,234 sits well below what similar programs typically produce in Illinois, where the median is $43,509. That gap matters because even with relatively modest debt—peer programs at this institution type suggest around $25,600—you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio that will require careful budgeting in those early career years. For context, DePaul graduates in this field report earning $54,859, while DeVry's come in at $32,159, showing the wide range of outcomes even within the state.

The challenging part here is that both earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from comparable programs nationally, since this specific program's graduate numbers are too small for the Department of Education to report. That means there's meaningful uncertainty about what actual Lewis graduates experience. The estimated figures align closely with the national median for computer software programs, suggesting a fairly typical trajectory, but Illinois tech employers generally pay more than that baseline.

Given the unknowns, your decision hinges on whether your child has clear alternatives with actual reported outcomes in the $45,000+ range. If Lewis offers specific advantages—location, smaller classes, particular industry connections in Chicago's suburbs—those could offset the earnings uncertainty. But if you're choosing purely on projected return on investment, programs with verified track records above $50,000 present less financial risk in a field where starting salaries should support loan repayment more comfortably.