Computer Science at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt's Computer Science graduates start at $42,000—barely half what peers at other Illinois schools earn, and roughly 40% below what the typical Illinois CS graduate makes. Even after four years, earnings reach only $62,000, which is where most Illinois CS grads start. This program ranks in the bottom 10% both nationally and within Illinois, trailing not just elite schools like UIUC but also mid-tier programs across the state.

The $26,000 debt load sits near state and national medians, which might seem manageable. But relative to those first-year earnings, it represents a heavier burden than at most programs. The 48% earnings growth is encouraging, suggesting graduates do gain valuable skills over time. However, you're starting from such a low baseline that catching up takes years—and there's no guarantee those earnings will ever match what graduates from stronger programs earn right out of school.

The extremely small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates reported, these numbers could reflect a few outliers rather than a consistent outcome. For a parent weighing options, though, that uncertainty cuts both ways—it's not reassuring evidence of quality. Given Chicago's robust tech market and the availability of stronger CS programs throughout Illinois, this looks like a high-risk choice unless there are compelling personal circumstances making Roosevelt the only viable option.