Computer Science at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud State's computer science graduates start modestly but see dramatic income growth—jumping from $63,287 to over $91,000 within four years. That 44% earnings increase tells you something important: employers value the technical skills these students build, even if the initial placement isn't elite. While first-year earnings sit below both the Minnesota median ($72,865) and national average ($70,950), graduates who push through that initial period end up ahead of many peers from higher-ranked programs.

The debt picture deserves equal attention. At $27,360, graduates borrow slightly more than typical Minnesota CS students, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 remains manageable. More concerning is the program's 40th percentile ranking among Minnesota schools—there are clearly better-performing options in-state, including UMN-Twin Cities and even St. Thomas for similar tuition costs. The 95% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest you're trading selectivity for accessibility, which works if your child is self-motivated and willing to grind through junior developer roles to reach mid-career success.

The takeaway: This program offers solid technical training at reasonable debt levels, but it's a slower path to strong earnings. If your child can get into UMN-Twin Cities or Duluth, those are better bets. If not, Saint Cloud works—just expect them to prove themselves on the job rather than relying on the degree's reputation to open doors.