Computer Programming at Olivet Nazarene University

When Illinois computer programming programs typically produce first-year earnings around $72,000, the estimated $50,000 figure here—drawn from national rather than state data—suggests Olivet Nazarene may not compete strongly with its in-state peers. DePaul University graduates earn about $22,000 more in their first year, which compounds significantly over a career. The estimated $31,000 debt load translates to a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, manageable on paper but less impressive when you're earning $22,000 below the state median.

The program's small graduate cohort (hence the suppressed data) raises its own questions about resources, employer connections, and local tech industry pipelines. Computer science programs benefit enormously from robust internship networks and career services, which larger programs typically offer more readily. For a field where starting salaries can vary by $30,000 depending on preparation quality and placement support, these factors matter considerably. If your child is set on staying in Illinois for tech work, investigating why this program's estimated outcomes lag so far behind the state median—and whether that gap reflects actual graduate experiences—becomes essential before committing.