Computer and Information Sciences at Olivet Nazarene University

Comparable computer science programs in Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $57,000—about $4,000 below the national median for this degree. That gap matters when you consider that top-tier schools in the state, like UIUC and Loyola, place graduates at earnings 20-50% higher. The estimated debt of roughly $24,500 is manageable with a 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, but it means your graduate will likely be navigating loan payments while earning less than peers from more competitive programs.

The challenge here is understanding what drives that earnings difference. Is it curriculum, recruiting connections, or simply where employers look first for talent? Without actual outcome data from Olivet Nazarene's graduates, you're making assumptions based on what happens at similar Illinois schools. For a field where employer networks and internship pipelines significantly impact starting salaries, the school's specific track record matters enormously.

If your child is committed to this school for other reasons—faith community, smaller classes, location—the debt load won't crush them. But if they have options at Illinois State or similar public universities showing stronger placement, those are worth serious consideration. The tech sector rewards credentials from programs with proven employer relationships, and you'd want to verify what those look like here before committing.