Computer and Information Sciences at University of Dayton

A $25,860 estimated debt load seems manageable for a computer science degree, until you look at what comparable programs in Ohio actually deliver. Similar programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $49,837—nearly $12,000 below the national median for this field and dramatically trailing the outcomes at Ohio State ($82,448), Cincinnati ($69,548), and Wright State ($69,071). That's real money leaving the table in a field known for strong starting salaries.

The 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio based on these peer program figures looks acceptable on paper, but context matters. Computer science graduates nationally earn substantially more than what Ohio programs typically produce, and even within Ohio, University of Dayton appears positioned in the bottom half. For a school with a 1313 average SAT score and relatively selective admissions, these estimated outcomes suggest the program may not be converting its student quality into competitive market results.

For parents, the practical question is whether paying private school tuition makes sense when peer programs suggest outcomes that lag state flagships by $20,000-$30,000 annually. If your child is admitted to Dayton, they likely qualify for Ohio State or Cincinnati—where actual reported data shows significantly stronger earnings. Unless Dayton offers compelling non-financial advantages like smaller classes or specific industry connections, the estimated numbers point toward exploring those alternatives first.