Computer and Information Sciences at Southern Oregon University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Southern Oregon University's Computer Science program produces starting salaries around $51,000—about $10,000 below Oregon's median for CS degrees and nearly $20,000 behind University of Oregon graduates. Within Oregon's small market of seven CS programs, this ranks near the middle (40th percentile), but that still means tech employers are paying SOU grads significantly less than peers from flagship schools. The positive angle? Debt loads are remarkably light at $33,500, well below both state and national medians, giving graduates breathing room that many CS students don't get.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 is reasonable for any bachelor's degree, though underwhelming for a technical field where ratios below 0.5 are common at stronger programs. The real concern is opportunity cost: students could attend Oregon Institute of Technology for similar debt but earn $7,000 more annually, a gap that compounds dramatically over a career. However, if your student values SOU's smaller setting in Ashland and plans to stay in the region, the lighter debt load provides flexibility that shouldn't be dismissed.
Fair warning: these figures come from a very small sample of graduates (under 30), so individual outcomes could vary considerably. For families treating this as a pure return-on-investment calculation, stronger Oregon alternatives exist. For students prioritizing fit and affordability over maximum earnings, SOU delivers a functional CS credential without crushing debt.
Where Southern Oregon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Oregon University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern Oregon University graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Oregon University | $51,167 | — | $33,500 | 0.65 |
| University of Oregon | $70,055 | $97,384 | $24,764 | 0.35 |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | $58,253 | $75,015 | $24,500 | 0.42 |
| George Fox University | $55,340 | — | — | — |
| Western Oregon University | $51,703 | $68,922 | $26,000 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Oregon
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon Eugene | $15,669 | $70,055 | $24,764 |
| Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls | $12,687 | $58,253 | $24,500 |
| George Fox University Newberg | $40,940 | $55,340 | — |
| Western Oregon University Monmouth | $11,025 | $51,703 | $26,000 |
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 Southern Oregon University, approximately 24% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.