Computer Programming at University of Akron Main Campus

The University of Akron's computer programming program delivers solid career outcomes at a reasonable price, outperforming both the state and national medians by meaningful margins. Graduates earn $64,311 in their first year—about $7,000 more than the typical Ohio program and $14,000 above the national median. Among Ohio's six programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it comfortably above average in a state with several tech-focused institutions.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $25,791, graduates carry notably less debt than both state ($28,420) and national ($31,050) medians. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross income—a manageable burden that shouldn't derail other financial goals. This combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates genuine leverage for recent graduates.

For families weighing this investment, the math works. The program costs less than typical alternatives while producing better employment outcomes, and Akron's 71% admission rate makes it accessible to a wide range of students. This isn't a reach for elite tech salaries, but it's a practical path into professional programming work without the crushing debt that often accompanies computer science degrees.