Analysis
Saint Norbert's computer science program manages respectable first-year earnings of $70,730 while keeping debt notably lower than most alternatives. That $27,000 debt load ranks in just the 18th percentile nationally—meaning 82% of computer science programs leave students with more debt. The 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio is strong, translating to less than five months of gross income to cover the full debt burden.
The more interesting story is how this program performs within Wisconsin. At $70,730, graduates earn nearly $12,000 more than the state median for computer science programs and rank in the 60th percentile statewide. Saint Norbert trails only UW-Milwaukee among established Wisconsin programs, beating out larger state universities like Green Bay and Parkside. Given the school's 92% acceptance rate and modest academic profile, this represents solid execution—especially for students who might not gain admission to more selective tech programs.
The caveat matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, a handful of students landing particularly strong jobs could skew these numbers upward. That said, the combination of below-average debt and above-state-average earnings creates meaningful cushion even if actual results vary. For Wisconsin families seeking an accessible entry point into tech careers without gambling on heavy debt loads, this program warrants serious consideration alongside the obvious state university options.
Where Saint Norbert College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Norbert College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,432 | $70,730 | — | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $10,020 | $73,795 | $80,355 | $29,000 | 0.39 | |
| $7,855 | $64,354 | — | $26,189 | 0.41 | |
| $11,982 | $53,832 | $73,463 | $38,409 | 0.71 | |
| $8,342 | $52,324 | $69,844 | $23,677 | 0.45 | |
| $34,250 | $48,962 | $59,183 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Saint Norbert College, approximately 14% 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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.