Computer and Information Sciences at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Minnesota State-Mankato's computer science program punches well above its weight nationally while carrying modest debt. Graduates start at nearly $72,000—outperforming three-quarters of similar programs nationwide—yet leave with just $20,625 in loans, well below both the national and Minnesota medians. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means new graduates could theoretically pay off their entire debt burden in under four months of work, an unusual position of financial flexibility for a tech graduate.

The 40th percentile ranking within Minnesota initially seems middling, but context matters: the state's median for this program sits at nearly $74,000, meaning Minnesota's computer science outcomes are exceptionally strong overall. While private schools like Macalester edge out MSU-Mankato by $10,000 in starting salary, they typically come with significantly higher tuition costs that this data doesn't capture. The program also shows healthy 18% earnings growth to nearly $85,000 by year four, suggesting graduates aren't hitting a ceiling.

For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing career outcomes, this represents compelling value. Your child would enter the workforce with genuine earning power and minimal debt burden, leaving room to save, invest, or pursue graduate education without financial strain. The high admission rate shouldn't obscure the program's strong results.