Analysis
Indiana's computer science landscape shows a stark divide, with flagship programs like Purdue launching graduates into $95,000 salaries while more typical programs—where Manchester likely falls—cluster closer to $68,000. That $68,000 estimate comes from the median of 13 Indiana programs, suggesting Manchester's small but open-admission CS program produces outcomes in line with state norms rather than reaching the elite tier.
The debt picture looks manageable at an estimated $26,500, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—well below danger levels. Similar Indiana programs at private institutions suggest graduates could pay this off within a year or two of focused repayment. What's missing is certainty about whether Manchester specifically delivers on this promise, since both figures derive from peer institutions rather than tracked outcomes for this program's graduates.
The practical question: does Manchester provide the foundation for a solid entry-level tech career, even if not at Purdue-level starting salaries? With 44% of students receiving Pell grants and a 91% admission rate, the school serves students who might not access Indiana's highest-paying CS programs. If the estimates hold true, this represents a reasonable path into tech work without crushing debt. But given the complete lack of program-specific data, insist on speaking directly with recent graduates or the career services office to verify actual job placement before committing.
Where Manchester University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,090 | $68,485* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $56,674 | $100,294* | $157,625 | $24,500* | 0.24 | |
| $9,992 | $94,786* | $116,601 | $19,375* | 0.20 | |
| $11,790 | $77,909* | $91,304 | $20,417* | 0.26 | |
| $39,104 | $77,081* | $86,504 | —* | — | |
| $8,179 | $72,634* | $97,561 | —* | — | |
| 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 Manchester University, approximately 44% 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 13 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.