Computer and Information Sciences at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Starting salaries for CS graduates from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale lag significantly behind what Illinois students can earn elsewhere. At $46,254, first-year earnings fall $11,000 below the state median and $15,000 below the national average for this degree. Even Western Illinois and Illinois State—both public universities with similar admission profiles—produce graduates earning $16,000-$19,000 more annually. Within Illinois alone, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of computer science programs in the state deliver better outcomes.

The debt burden compounds the problem. While the $29,553 median debt sits near national norms, it's notably higher than Illinois' state median of $24,321. Combined with below-average earnings, graduates face a debt-to-income ratio of 0.64—manageable but concerning given that tech degrees typically offer stronger starting positions. A UIUC graduate earning $113,503 would pay off similar debt far more easily, even accounting for any additional borrowing.

For families paying in-state tuition, this represents a difficult trade-off. The 90% admission rate makes this an accessible option, but the earnings gap is substantial and immediate. If your child has the academic profile to gain admission at Illinois State or Western Illinois, those alternatives would likely provide similar accessibility with significantly better financial outcomes. If SIU-Carbondale is the choice, minimizing debt through scholarships or work-study becomes critical to offsetting the lower starting salary.