Analysis
Computer science majors in Oregon typically launch into strong earning territory, and Linfield appears positioned to deliver similar outcomes. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates here can expect first-year earnings around $83,000—landing squarely at Oregon's median and well above the national benchmark of $71,000. With estimated debt of $25,000, that translates to a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than a third of their first-year salary.
The challenge here is that Linfield's actual outcomes aren't reported due to small sample sizes, so these projections come from peer programs rather than the school's track record. Looking at Oregon's reported data, programs at Oregon State and University of Portland produce earnings in the $85,000-$86,000 range, while Portland State comes in slightly lower at $79,000. Linfield's open admission policy (88% acceptance rate) and regional setting suggest it likely fits somewhere in this mix, but without its own data, you're making an informed guess rather than betting on proven performance.
The fundamentals look sound—computer science remains one of the most reliably marketable degrees, and even the low end of Oregon's range produces manageable debt loads. But if you're choosing between schools with similar costs, prioritize those with reported outcomes. You want evidence, not estimates, that graduates are actually landing tech jobs at competitive salaries.
Where Linfield University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,530 | $82,727* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $54,900 | $85,637* | $116,906 | $22,590* | 0.26 | |
| $13,494 | $85,376* | $94,403 | $26,000* | 0.30 | |
| $12,594 | $85,376* | $94,403 | $26,000* | 0.30 | |
| $48,268 | $80,077* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,238 | $78,669* | $109,690 | $31,000* | 0.39 | |
| 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 Linfield University, approximately 28% 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 6 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.