Location: Hammond, IN•In-State Tuition: $8,419•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,620•Admission Rate: 71%•Avg SAT: 1034
Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,485
44th percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Est. Median Debt
$24,375
Est. from IN median (7 programs)
Sample: 20 graduates Limited data

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36—based on an estimated $24,375 in debt against $68,485 in first-year earnings—puts this program in manageable territory by most standards. Similar computer science bachelor's programs in Indiana typically produce debt loads around $24,625, so Purdue Northwest appears to track with state norms. The more relevant question is whether the earnings justify choosing this campus over alternatives.

At $68,485, first-year earnings sit at Indiana's median for computer science programs but trail the state's flagship institutions considerably. Purdue's main campus in West Lafayette produces graduates earning $94,786 their first year out—nearly $26,000 more—while Rose-Hulman tops $100,000. Even regional campuses like IU-Southeast show stronger outcomes at $72,634. Nationally, Purdue Northwest lands at the 44th percentile, suggesting this is a solidly middle-of-the-pack program rather than a standout.

The practical takeaway: the debt burden appears reasonable, but families should understand they're likely paying similar amounts for notably different earning trajectories depending on which Indiana school they choose. If your child has the academic profile for Purdue's main campus or IU-Bloomington (both accessible with a 1034 SAT), the earnings gap could mean tens of thousands more in lifetime income. Purdue Northwest makes sense primarily for students who need the geographic flexibility of the Hammond location or who are building transfer credentials—not as a destination choice for computer science.

Where Purdue University Northwest Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

Purdue University Northwest (estimated ±10%)Other computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Purdue University Northwest graduates compare to all programs nationally

Purdue University Northwest earns $68k — 44th percentile among computer science bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (26 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Purdue University NorthwestHammond$8,419$68,485—$24,375*—
Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyTerre Haute$56,674$100,294$157,625$24,500*0.24
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$94,786$116,601$19,375*0.20
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington$11,790$77,909$91,304$20,417*0.26
Taylor UniversityUpland$39,104$77,081$86,504—*—
Indiana University-SoutheastNew Albany$8,179$72,634$97,561—*—
National Median—$70,950—$23,374*0.33
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Purdue University Northwest, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.