Computer and Information Sciences at Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest's computer science graduates earn right at Indiana's median—$61,699—but with notably less debt than typical in-state peers. At $18,700, debt here runs about $3,000 below the state average and well below the national benchmark of $25,000. That 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than a third of their first-year salary, which positions them to pay down loans quickly while building their careers.

The earnings picture is solid if not spectacular. Ranking at the 60th percentile among Indiana programs, PNW graduates earn roughly $10,000 less than Purdue's flagship campus but match or exceed several other state schools. Nationally, these graduates land squarely in the middle of the pack. For a regional university with a 71% admission rate serving a significant working-class population (28% Pell recipients), this represents genuine economic mobility without the credential inflation of more selective programs.

The real advantage here is risk-adjusted value. Your child walks out with a marketable tech degree, minimal debt burden, and earnings that support independent living from day one. While Notre Dame or Purdue-Main Campus offer higher ceilings, they may not be realistic options for every student. For families prioritizing affordability and concerned about debt load, this program delivers what matters most: a clear path into the technology workforce without financial strain.