Computer Science at Monmouth College

Illinois's computer science landscape splits sharply between flagship programs that command six-figure starting salaries and smaller liberal arts colleges where outcomes cluster near the national median. Based on comparable programs statewide, Monmouth appears positioned in that second tier—first-year earnings around $71,000 track precisely with what most Illinois bachelor's programs produce, though they lag considerably behind the state's top institutions where graduates earn $80,000 to $125,000.

The estimated debt of $26,000 against $71,000 in earnings yields a manageable 0.36 ratio, roughly on par with state and national norms for this major. That suggests graduates would face about $290 in monthly loan payments—a reasonable burden for someone earning a typical tech salary. The challenge isn't the debt load itself but whether Monmouth's small program provides the industry connections, internship pipelines, and curriculum depth that larger programs leverage to push graduates toward higher-paying opportunities.

For families weighing this option, the key question is access: if your student can gain admission to one of Illinois's powerhouse CS programs, the earnings premium is substantial and documented. If Monmouth represents their realistic entry point into the field, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment—but you'd want to verify that this small program (graduate cohorts too limited for DOE reporting) maintains active employer relationships and can point to specific recent placement outcomes.