Computer Science at Luther College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Luther College's computer science program starts graduates below both national and Iowa medians at $63,760, but delivers impressive earnings growth—jumping 58% to reach $100,968 by year four. While first-year earnings land in the 40th percentile among Iowa CS programs (below Iowa State, Grinnell, and Simpson), graduates who stick with tech careers appear to catch up substantially. The $27,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that's below the national median debt for CS programs.
The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, these figures could shift considerably year to year. That said, the trajectory suggests Luther's liberal arts approach may produce graduates who grow into higher-value roles over time, even if they don't land the highest-paying positions immediately. The 73% admission rate and modest test scores indicate this isn't competing with Iowa's most selective programs for top CS talent, yet outcomes remain solid for students willing to play the longer game in their careers.
Where Luther College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Luther College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Luther College graduates earn $64k, placing them in the 33th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luther College | $63,760 | $100,968 | $27,000 | 0.42 |
| Grinnell College | $84,449 | $106,113 | $16,375 | 0.19 |
| Iowa State University | $78,517 | $94,712 | $24,663 | 0.31 |
| Simpson College | $70,950 | — | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| University of Northern Iowa | $65,960 | $80,228 | $26,200 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell College Grinnell | $64,862 | $84,449 | $16,375 |
| Iowa State University Ames | $10,497 | $78,517 | $24,663 |
| Simpson College Indianola | $46,212 | $70,950 | $25,000 |
| University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | $9,728 | $65,960 | $26,200 |
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 Luther College, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.