Computer and Information Sciences at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

UC-Cincinnati's computer science program delivers exactly what Ohio families should want: strong earnings at modest debt levels, with graduates earning nearly 60% more than the typical Ohio CS grad. Starting at $69,548 places graduates in the 80th percentile statewide and comfortably above the national median of $61,322. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates can handle their $23,203 in loans—roughly one-third of first-year salary—while still living comfortably in Cincinnati's affordable metro area.

The 12% earnings growth to $78,120 by year four shows solid career progression, particularly impressive given that many Cincinnati tech grads stay local rather than migrating to higher-cost coastal markets. While Ohio State graduates earn about $13,000 more initially, UC-Cincinnati costs significantly less overall, making the value proposition competitive. The gap narrows considerably when you factor in the university's 88% admission rate, giving more students access to these outcomes.

For parents weighing in-state options, this is straightforward: UC-Cincinnati produces Ohio's second-highest CS earnings at below-average debt levels. The program punches above its weight nationally too, landing in the 71st percentile for earnings across nearly 1,000 programs. If your child can handle the coursework and wants to work in Cincinnati's growing tech sector, this represents solid return on investment without the financial stress that comes with heavy borrowing.