Computer Science at North Central College

North Central College's computer science program starts graduates at $53,544—roughly $18,000 below both the Illinois and national medians. That's 25th percentile performance in Illinois, meaning three-quarters of CS programs in the state launch graduates into higher-paying positions. The relatively manageable $26,678 debt load (near national median) doesn't fully compensate for these below-market starting salaries, creating a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that's higher than ideal for a field typically known for strong entry-level pay.

The 67% earnings jump to $89,255 by year four tells a more optimistic story, suggesting graduates who stay in the field do eventually reach competitive compensation. However, this cohort is small—under 30 graduates—which means a few outlier experiences could skew the picture significantly. The gap between North Central and Illinois powerhouses is stark: UIUC grads start at $124,530, more than double this program's initial figure.

For families prioritizing computer science, the tradeoff is clear: lower upfront costs and a more accessible admission process (58% acceptance rate), but a notably weaker launch into the job market. If your child can gain admission to Illinois's flagship programs, the earnings advantage is substantial and immediate. If North Central is the realistic option, plan for a slower start that improves considerably with experience—and verify these patterns hold with current placement data, given the limited sample size.